Bangladesh Garment Workers Struggle After Uprising Fallout
The Bangladesh garment sector, once a thriving industry that contributed significantly to the country’s economy, is now facing deep distress. The aftermath of the 2024 uprising that toppled Sheikh Hasina’s government has left the industry reeling, with over 240 factories shutting down and leaving thousands of workers like Sabina Khatun jobless. The economic fallout of the uprising has been severe, with unemployment rising, exports weakening, and inflation persisting.
The garment sector is the backbone of Bangladesh’s economy, accounting for over 80% of the country’s exports. However, the recent uprising and subsequent government change have led to a decline in investor confidence, resulting in a sharp decrease in orders from international buyers. Many factories have been forced to shut down, leaving workers without a steady income. Sabina Khatun, a former garment worker, is one of the many who have been affected by the industry’s decline. “I used to work in a factory in Dhaka, but it shut down after the uprising. I have been looking for a new job, but it’s been difficult. Many factories are not hiring, and those that are, are offering very low wages,” she said.
The economic situation in Bangladesh is dire, with the country struggling to recover from the aftermath of the uprising. The economy showed a mild recovery in the last quarter, but the growth is slow, and the outlook remains uncertain. The Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) reported that the country’s GDP growth rate slowed down to 5.5% in the last quarter, compared to 7.1% in the same period last year. The decline in exports has been particularly severe, with the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) reporting a 15% decline in exports in the last quarter.
Inflation is also a major concern, with the consumer price index (CPI) rising by 6.5% in the last quarter. The increase in food prices has been particularly sharp, with the food price index rising by 8.5%. The rise in inflation has made it difficult for workers like Sabina Khatun to make ends meet. “The price of everything has gone up, from food to transportation. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to survive on a limited income,” she said.
The government has announced several measures to boost the economy, including a stimulus package for the garment sector. However, the impact of these measures has been limited, and the industry continues to struggle. The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has called for more support from the government, including a reduction in taxes and duties on raw materials. “The government needs to take more concrete steps to support the industry. We need a stable and predictable business environment to attract investors and boost exports,” said BGMEA President, Faruque Hassan.
The upcoming elections on February 12 have raised hopes among workers and industry leaders that the new government will bring stability and revival to the sector. Many are pinning their hopes on the new government to address the issues facing the industry, including the decline in exports and the rise in inflation. “We hope that the new government will take concrete steps to support the industry. We need a stable and predictable business environment to attract investors and boost exports,” said Sabina Khatun.
The international community is also watching the situation in Bangladesh closely, with many countries expressing concern about the economic and political instability in the country. The United States, the European Union, and other major trading partners have called for a peaceful and stable transition of power, and have offered support to the new government to help stabilize the economy.
In conclusion, the Bangladesh garment sector is facing deep distress after the 2024 uprising. The industry is struggling to recover from the decline in exports, rise in inflation, and unemployment. The upcoming elections on February 12 have raised hopes among workers and industry leaders that the new government will bring stability and revival to the sector. However, the road to recovery will be long and challenging, and will require concerted efforts from the government, industry leaders, and the international community.
The situation in Bangladesh is a reminder of the importance of stability and predictability in business environments. The garment sector is a critical component of the country’s economy, and its decline has had far-reaching consequences for workers, industry leaders, and the economy as a whole. As the country prepares for the upcoming elections, it is essential that the new government prioritizes the needs of the garment sector and takes concrete steps to support its recovery.
For now, workers like Sabina Khatun can only wait and hope that the new government will bring stability and revival to the sector. “I just want to go back to work and earn a steady income. I hope that the new government will take concrete steps to support the industry and help us recover from this difficult period,” she said.
About the Author
