DHAKA : A meeting was held on July 8 between GOC 9th Infantry Division of Bangladesh Army and area commander, Savar Area and BGMEA Board on garment factory security, especially law and order issues. In this meeting held at BGMEA office, BGMEA side was led by president mahmud hasan khan, according to a press release.
GOC major general Md. Moin khan, OSP, NDC, PSC, led the 9th Infantry division side. Senior v ice president enamul haque khan (Bablu), vice president Md. Rejoan selim, vice president (Finance) mizanur rahman, vice president Md. Shihab uddoza chowdhury and directors shah raed chowdhury, faisal samad, Md. Hasib Uddin, Mohammad Abdus Salam, Nafis-ud-Daulah, Sumaiya Islam, Fahima Akhtar, Majumder Arifur Rahman, Sheikh Hossain Mohammad Mostafiz, Asef Kamal Pasha, Dr. Rashid Ahmed Hossaini, Rumana Rashid, Mohammad Sohel, Samiha Azim and Chairman and Managing Directors of various garment factories. The meeting was also attended by Commander, 81 Infantry Brigade, Bangladesh Army, Dhaka; Commander, 9 Artillery Brigade, Bangladesh Army, Dhaka; Md. Abul Kalam Siddique, DIG (Operation and Crime), Industrial Police; Md. Israel Howlader, DIG (Administration and Crime), Industrial Police, DGFI representative; NSI representative. In the exchange of views, BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan said, The way the Bangladesh Army has stood by the people with patience and prudence during a critical time after the student uprising, and the way it has been involved in the reconstruction and revival of the economy of the country, is highly commendable. Especially because of the cooperation of the joint force formed under the leadership of the army for the security of the industry, the garment industry was able to survive by facing the disastrous situation at that time. He expressed sincere thanks and gratitude to the Bangladesh Army on behalf of the garment industry family for continuing its cooperation in the industry. The meeting discussed in detail various law and order problems of the garment factories.
The discussion said that currently, due to illegal demands and trivial incidents, the tendency of workers in the garment factories to stop work and take to the streets, vandalize nearby factories, and block roads has increased alarmingly. This is not only disrupting production, but also increasing the suffering of the common people. Again, incidents of road blockades demanding employment for outsiders in EPZ areas are also frequent. In addition to these, even if there is no problem with salaries, allowances or arrears, the discussion also raised the issue of the malicious efforts of one or more groups to destabilize the garment industry through rumors and incitement. In the discussion, it was said by the entrepreneurs that the industry has become hostage to the Jhut terror. Especially to dominate the Jhut sector, the terrorist groups formed in the industrial areas are creating juvenile gangs and keeping the environment in the area unsettled, harassing the owners and workers in various ways. The garment entrepreneurs sought the cooperation of the army in solving these problems.
In the meeting, Major General Md. Moin Khan, OSP, NDC, PSC said that the army is determined to maintain good law and order in the areas inhabited by the garment industry so that production continues as the backbone of the economy. However, providing security will not be effective if the problems inside the factories are not resolved. They said they are preparing a security master plan to ensure the safety of the industry.
The GOC also said that they are also thinking about introducing a new method to solve the problem of fraud in the garment sector. If it is possible to create an auction house for fraud, the factories will no longer face this problem. He hopes that entrepreneurs will help the army to maintain sound law and order in the industry by providing accurate information. He called on the BGMEA to make entrepreneurs aware of paying salaries and allowances on time.
Major General Md. Moin Khan assured the businessmen that the Bangladesh Army is by the side of the industry in case of any unwanted incident from outside the factory, which may cause damage to the factory. The meeting also discussed whether a confederation can be formed with various labor federations.
