Workers call for reversal of textile mill closure decision amid fear of job losses
Workers and employees in the textile sector have urged mill owners to reverse their decision to shut down textile mills from 1 February, expressing fear of widespread job losses due to the government's failure to implement the commerce ministry's recommendations.
They also demanded that yarn imports under bond facilities be halted in line with the ministry's advice.
At a press conference today (28 January) in Banani, Dhaka, employees, workers, and officials of the Bangladesh spinning industry presented their demands.
They also proposed the formation of a commission comprising all stakeholders and experts to develop sustainable policies for the future.
In a written statement, Engineer Azhar Ali said, "Currently, nearly 1 lakh people are employed in the Bangladesh spinning industry. If the spinning mills in Bangladesh close, they will lose their jobs."
He added that if so many workers become unemployed, it will harm the overall economy of the country and disrupt social peace and order. "In such circumstances, we are anxious and alarmed."
To maintain yarn price competitiveness with neighbouring countries, the workers demanded at least a 10% incentive for the spinning industry for two years, along with permission to import up to 20% of raw materials under Free of Cost (FOC) facilities.
Engineer Ali warned, "If excessive FOC continues, all backward textile sectors will collapse."
He further stressed, "We strongly demand that spinning factories be kept operational through a joint initiative of BTMA, BGMEA, BKMEA, and the government."
Workers and employees also called for a fast-track, effective policy to gradually withdraw bond facilities after assessing the capacity of backward industries. This, they said, would enable the development of raw materials, machinery, dye chemicals, and spare parts for spinning and weaving required by the garments sector within the next five years.
The press conference was attended by the platform's convener, Engineer Md. Shahinul Haque, and officials and employees from various textile mills.