Meeting with GOC 9th Infantry Division of Bangladesh Army held at BGMEA to discuss strengthening security of factories

On 11 August, a meeting was organised at the initiative of BGMEA to address the issue of ensuring smooth functioning of all industrial plants in Bangladesh, including the garment sector. The GOC 9th Infantry Division and Area Commander of Bangladesh Army, Savar area, held the meeting with representatives of BGMEA, FBCCI, BTMA and other industry organisations and representatives of law enforcement agencies. The meeting was held at BGMEA Complex in Uttara, Dhaka.

Khandoker Rafiqul Islam, Acting Chairman of BGMEA, represented the trade associations while GOC Major General Md Moin Khan, NDC, PSC represented the 9 Infantry Division.

Among those present from BGMEA were First Vice President Syed Nazrul Islam, Vice Presidents Md. Nasir Uddin, Abdullah Hill Rakib and Rakibul Alam Chowdhury, as well as other directors.

The FBCCI was represented by President Mahbubul Alam, while Foreign Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICI) President Javed Akhtar and BTMA President (Incharge) Md. Fazlul Haque were also present. In addition, Bangladesh Shop Owners Association President Helal Uddin along with representatives of various trade bodies and business leaders participated in the meeting.

Also present at the meeting were Industrial Police Additional IGP Md. Mahbubur Rahman, BPM-Bar, PPM, Army Task Force Commander Colonel Abu Mohammad Mohiuddin, BGBM (Bar), PBGM, MPhil, and representatives of BGB and RAB.

BGMEA Acting Chairman Khandoker Rafiqul Islam commended the Bangladesh Army for its patience and effective support during recent national crises and its role in the country’s economic recovery. He noted that with the direct cooperation of the army, 99.89% of the factories in Gazipur, 99.51% in Savar-Ashulia and Dhamrai, 100% in Narayanganj, 100% in DMP areas and 100% of the garment factories in Chittagong have resumed their operations. The meeting also discussed various law and order issues affecting industrial plants.

Concerns were raised about criminal activities related to establishing dominance over jhut trade in garment dominated industrial areas. These groups involved in the “Jhut” sector have formed young gangs that disrupt the working environment, harass factory owners and workers and hold the garment industry hostage. The garment traders sought the help of the military to overcome these challenges.

Moreover, the businessmen demanded security for goods-carrying vehicles on roads and highways, citing unnecessary delays in loading and unloading of goods at Chittagong Port, which is affecting the competitiveness of the industry. They also pointed to delays in clearing goods at Dhaka Airport and requested the military to intervene to speed up these processes. The traders urged the military-led Joint Task Force to visit recently destroyed factories to restore confidence among entrepreneurs and workers.

Major General Md Moin Khan assured that the Army’s priority is to support the revival of industries as they are the backbone of the economy. He mentioned that the task force has already been deployed to ensure security in Savar and Ashulia and is responding to incidents promptly. By deploying a ‘rapid reaction force’, teams can quickly reach incidents and provide assistance if required. As a result, the number of complaints in these areas decreased on the second day as compared to the first.

Major General Moin Khan requested BGMEA leaders to provide information about active criminals involved in jhut operations. He assured the business leaders that they would address issues at Chittagong Port and Dhaka Airport to improve efficiency of cargo handling. WhatsApp groups will be created to facilitate quick problem resolution in industrial areas.

He assured that the Bangladesh Army is ready to support the industry against any threats that could damage factories.