Different trade bodies on Sunday called for strengthening security for factories in the industrial belts and goods-carrying vehicles on the roads and highways.
Leaders of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Federation of Bangladesh Chambers and Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) and Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) made the plea at a meeting with general officer commanding of the 9th Infantry Division Major General Muhammad Moin Khan at the apex apparel trade body BGMEA's headquarters in the city.
The meeting was convened to discuss the present situation so that factories can continue smooth operation and solve the problems faced by the entrepreneurs regarding law and order situation, BGMEA vice-president Abdullah Hil Rakib told the FE after the meeting.
BGMEA acting president Khandoker Rafiqul Islam informed the meeting that with direct cooperation of the army, 99.89 per cent factories in Gazipur, 99.51 per cent in Savar-Ashulia and Dhamrai areas, and 100 per cent factories in Narayanganj, Dhaka city and Chattogram have been reopened.
A BGMEA statement said the discussion highlighted the incidents of violence that are taking place frequently over controlling of jhut (garment waste) in industrial areas dominated by the garment industry.
BGMEA leaders said several groups of miscreants formed in these areas to dominate the jhut trade have also created youth gangs to disrupt the environment.
Both owners and workers are being harassed by these groups, they said seeking support to free the industry from the clutches of these miscreant groups.
In the meeting, the businessmen also requested enhancing security for goods-carrying vehicles for all industries, including exports, on roads and highways, according to the statement.
They expressed concern over the unnecessary delay in loading and unloading goods from ships in Chittagong port saying the delay causes them additional costs.
They also face delay in releasing goods at Dhaka airport and the industry is gradually losing its competitiveness.
Quoting Major General Moin Khan, the statement also said that the task force established by the Bangladesh Army has begun working to ensure strict security in the industrial areas of Savar and Ashulia.
The 'quick reaction force' teams quickly respond to the incidents and provide assistance as required, he said, adding as a result, the number of complaints in these areas decreased on the second day compared to the first day.
The GOC assured the businessmen that Bangladesh Army stands ready to support the industry in any external untoward incident that might cause damage to factory.
BGMEA first vice-president Syed Nazrul Islam, vice-presidents Md Nasir Uddin, and Rakibul Alam Chowdhury, FBCCI President Mahbubul Alam, Foreign Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Zaved Akhtar, BTMA acting president Md Fazlul Haque, Industrial Police Additional IGP Md Mahabubur Rahman and Army Task Force Commander Colonel Abu Mohammad Mohiuddin, among others, were present at the meeting.
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