Challenge for RMG sector

--Outside conspiracy to destroy Bangladesh export market.

--Opposition political parties trying to destabilise the government.

--Fundamentalist parties might be involved since a large number of workers are females, something the parties do not approve of.

--The ruling party wants to divert public attention.

-- An outburst of the labour unrest due to their unattended grievances over the last two decades.

Basically, it is an issue of long deprivation of the poor work force. The salary and benefits are so low that these workers are finding life very miserable, particularly in the context of unusual inflation and unaffordable prices of essentials. They survive on the strength of having several people from the same family employed in one garment factory. They share one dingy room and foods cooked for all at a time. They barely have access to medical facilities and their children are deprived of going to school, while the owners can send their children to American schools/universities and have medical treatment for their family members in Western Europe or America. Going to Bangkok or Singapore for minor treatment is like a factory worker trying to reach a village doctor in Ashulia. In less than 20 years, some of the industrialists graduated from public transport to Mercedes Benz, jumped residence from extreme south of Dhaka city to the north, and built posh luxury houses in Gulshan worth crores.

Where did the money come from? Bank loans need not be repaid, then why one should hesitate to use his connection and borrow money from Uncle Sam's bank , enjoy life, and take a vacation with his family or friends in French Riviera. One of the worst deprived work forces in the poorest and most corrupt country in the world can perhaps express their frustration and anger through violence.

It was amusing to see how proudly the TV channels telecast the disorderly conduct and screaming of a foreign investor. It is a disgrace to the nation. The country is sitting on a volcano; it will erupt and create more serious social disorder unless we do something, which will seen to be just and reasonably fair. The government should look into the matter a little more carefully to avoid a catastrophe. It is no one's benefit to blame adversaries. Find out the real causes of this unrest and discontent and address it professionally. Do not expect the owners to come up with a just and fair solution to this issue. Their incompetent relatives engaged in poor management mostly surround them.

Timely action will save the industry and the country's growing potential markets. Address the salary and benefits issue a little more humanely. Amend the ancient and obsolete "The Factories Act of 1965". Make the Inspector of Factories implement the act.