In Ashulia and Gazipur industrial areas in September and October, the garment sector suffered production losses of around $400 million due to labor unrest.

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Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) president Khandkar Rafiqul Islam gave this information in a press conference at BGMEA office on Saturday.

He said that several work orders were shifted to other countries at that time considering the stability of law and order. But as the situation normalizes, international retailers and brands are making a comeback.

He also said in the press conference that the main challenge now is to control the instability and discipline of the garment sector. After joint efforts of the government, law enforcement agencies, labor leaders and BGME, the factories are now back to normal.

BGMEA president requested the government not to disconnect gas and electricity connection in any factory for three months as the production of many establishments was affected due to labor unrest. He also urged the government to bring down the bank interest rate by one digit.

Besides, president Khandaker Rafiqul Islam requested the government to allow garment manufacturers to collect gas from CNG filling stations to keep production going during the gas crisis.