Jamaat Ameer warns economic collapse if garment sector crisis goes unresolved

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Dr Shafiqur Rahman has warned that the country's fragile economy could face further deterioration if the ongoing crisis in the garment industry is not addressed immediately.

In a Facebook post on Sunday evening, he described the situation in the readymade garment (RMG) sector, the country's largest export industry, as deeply concerning and called on the government to take urgent and sustainable measures to address its challenges.

He attributed the industry's difficulties to several factors, including the failure to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply, high fuel prices, rising production costs, uncertainty in the global market and the cancellation, withdrawal or decline of purchase orders.

Shafiqur also drew attention to the growing financial hardships of garment workers, citing rising house rents, prices of essential commodities, transportation costs and medical expenses.

He said the government must address the problems facing the industry and ensure an uninterrupted power supply to maintain production and keep the sector operational.

“Saving the industry means saving not just its owners but also the country,” he said, stressing that the government must take responsibility for protecting both industrial entrepreneurs and the workers employed in the sector.

The opposition leader also urged all parties concerned to exercise restraint and demonstrate responsibility in addressing the ongoing situation.

Warning of the potential economic consequences, he said any failure to resolve the crisis could push the country's already fragile economy to the brink of collapse.

“There is absolutely no room for delay,” he added.