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Former BGMEA president Kazi Moniruzzaman has warned that garment factory owners will not be able to take responsibility for paying workers’ wages and allowances ahead of Eid unless Chattogram Port operates round the clock.
“Eid is approaching, but the Chattogram Port remains inactive at night. While raw materials arrive from China to the port in 14 days, it now takes 18 days to reach Dhaka. How can we continue our business under these conditions?” Moniruzzaman asked during the manifesto launch event of the BGMEA election alliance Sammilito Parishad, held at Hotel InterContinental Dhaka on Wednesday. He currently serves as chairman of the alliance.
Addressing the government, he said, “Yes, reforms are necessary. But not at the cost of burying our industry.”
He stressed the urgency of 24-hour port operations to keep export-import activities smooth. “If shipments are stalled and containers pile up on roads, where will we get the funds to pay our workers?”
Moniruzzaman also highlighted the financial distress many factory owners are facing. “They’re being forced to sell their homes and cars to clear worker dues. It’s deeply painful and shameful. We’ve long been advocating for a safe exit policy for owners who can no longer sustain operations.”
Meanwhile, discontent continues in the revenue administration as officials protest the government’s decision to dissolve the National Board of Revenue (NBR). The NBR Reform Unity Council has been staging a work stoppage since last week, disrupting trade activities. The council has also announced a full-scale work abstention starting Saturday.
In related developments, Labour and Employment Ministry adviser Brigadier General (Retd.) M Sakhawat Hossain said Tuesday night that worker dues owed by TNZ Limited and Mahmud Group will be paid by liquidating their properties. Travel bans have been imposed on the companies’ owners, and Interpol red alerts have been requested for absconding owners of Dird Group, Generation Next, and Roar Fashions.
