The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has announced that all garment factories will reopen on Thursday, following safety assurances from the Army and law enforcement agencies.

BGMEA President Khandaker Rafiqul Islam made the announcement on Wednesday during a press conference at the BGMEA Building in Dhaka’s Uttara. The decision was made after a meeting among BGMEA officials, garment factory owners, the Army, industrial police, and various intelligence agencies earlier in the day.

Rafiqul noted that 170 garment factories had been closed due to recent labour unrest, although factory workers were not directly involved in the disruptions. He attributed the disturbances in industrial areas to attacks by outsiders.

In response, the Army, industrial police, and intelligence agencies have assuered to implement strict security measures for the factories. With these assurances, the BGMEA has decided to proceed with the reopening of the factories.