Several garment factories in the industrial hubs of Gazipur and Narayanganj have recently implemented three- to four-day unscheduled holidays. This move comes as manufacturers of the nation’s primary export product contend with a persistent gas shortage and an ongoing electricity crisis. Industry leaders emphasize that these measures are a strategic production adjustment intended to mitigate losses during the current energy supply challenges, rather than a permanent cessation of operations.
Operational Shifts in Gazipur and Narayanganj
The President of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), Mohammad Hatem, confirmed that a selection of member factories in Gazipur and Narayanganj declared these short-term holidays to align with upcoming public and weekly breaks. By scheduling leave around the August 5th public holiday and the Friday weekly holiday, the RMG factory energy crisis is being managed without direct financial loss to the workforce or the employers.
Collaborative Scheduling with the Workforce
According to BKMEA leadership, the additional holidays on Thursday and Sunday were requested by worker representatives. These days will be compensated through regular duty in the coming weeks, ensuring that export production targets remain achievable. This arrangement also allows dyeing units to maintain operations despite the gas shortage, ensuring that fabrics are prepared for the next stage of manufacturing once the full workforce returns. Mohammad Hatem noted that his own facility has adopted this four-day holiday model to streamline operations during this period.
Clarification Regarding Regional Operations
There was recent internal debate regarding the operational status of major industry players. Initial reports suggested a suspension of operations at five manufacturing units in Gazipur, affecting a significant portion of export production. However, management later clarified that the situation was a routine production adjustment involving holiday shifts rather than a definitive factory closure. It was confirmed that all units were scheduled to resume their standard operational cycles following the adjusted break.
Industry Body Addresses Market Rumors
The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) issued a formal statement to address reports regarding factory shutdowns. The association labeled claims of widespread closures as incorrect, stating that garment factories have successfully maintained between 60% and 70% of their operational capacity. Despite the severity of the electricity crisis and gas shortage, the industry continues to function with government support.
The BGMEA explained that combining public holidays with the weekly day off is a standard practice to manage the RMG factory energy crisis. This method adheres to national labor laws and serves as a practical response to the current energy constraints affecting the region. While some facilities have faced acute supply issues over the past week, the overarching strategy remains focused on temporary suspension and realignment to safeguard the stability of the sector.
