Over 150 garment factories shuttered as workers stage mass protests

More than 150 garment factories in Gazipur have ceased operations following coordinated worker protests, marking a significant disruption to Bangladesh's vital textile industry. The mass closures underscore deepening labour discontent within the manufacturing hub, which supplies major international brands worldwide.

The industrial action reflects ongoing grievances among garment workers regarding wages, working conditions, and employment practices. Gazipur, home to thousands of apparel production facilities, has emerged as a flashpoint for labour activism in recent months as workers seek improved compensation and workplace standards.

Factory owners have been forced to suspend operations as demonstrations escalate, creating ripple effects across the supply chain. The closures impact production schedules and raise concerns among international buyers who depend on Bangladesh's garment sector, which remains a cornerstone of the nation's export economy and employment base.

Labour unrest in Bangladesh's garment industry has periodically disrupted production, with workers pressing demands for wage increases aligned with inflation and enhanced safety measures. The current wave of closures in Gazipur signals the persistent challenges facing the sector as it navigates worker expectations against competitive pressures in global markets.