Dhaka, Aug 28 (V7N): Businesses nationwide are expressing deep concern over the recent incidents of vandalism, looting, and arson targeting factories following protests that culminated in the government's ousting. They have condemned these acts as unacceptable, emphasizing the need for those responsible to be held accountable, as factories are vital national assets that provide employment to thousands.

Business leaders stressed that the economy's health is closely tied to the well-being of industries. "If our industries thrive, so does our economy," they noted, urging the government to take decisive action against those responsible for the destruction and to ensure the safety of these factories.

Fazlee Shameem Ehsan, Executive President of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), expressed his concerns in an interview with the Dhaka Tribune. "I believe miscreants are behind these fires. Opportunists are exploiting the situation. Industries are state assets, and anyone guilty of these crimes should face justice. Factories must not be damaged or shut down," Ehsan, who is also the Managing Director of Fatullah Apparels, stated.

Ehsan highlighted that thousands of people directly and indirectly depend on these factories. "If these factories are destroyed, it’s not just the buildings that are lost—people lose their livelihoods. Factories must be kept operational, even if it means forming a commission to manage them under the country’s major industrial groups," he added.

Mohiuddin Rubel, Director of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), also shared his concerns with the Dhaka Tribune. "The recent protests aimed at reform, but vandalizing, looting, and setting fire to factories undermine the spirit of the movement," Rubel remarked.

Rubel stressed that while owners guilty of crimes should be brought to justice, the chaos in the industries is highly undesirable. "Factories are the source of livelihood for thousands of people. Moreover, many of these factories were established with loans from banks, which is essentially the people's money. If the factories are destroyed, the owners will default on their loans, workers will lose their jobs, and the economy will suffer greatly," he concluded.

Massive Vandalism

Industry insiders have pointed to miscreants as the culprits behind the recent wave of vandalism, looting, and arson targeting factories across the country. They believe that the current law and order situation has allowed these incidents to escalate, and in some cases, the political affiliations of factory owners have made them targets.

Since July 19, dozens of factories in key industrial areas like Savar, Ashulia, Narayanganj, and Chittagong have been attacked. In Ashulia and Savar alone, at least 15 factories, including those belonging to Bengal Group, Ha-meem Group, Beximco Group, and Sinha Textiles, have been vandalized and set on fire.

Narayanganj has also seen about 10 factories looted and torched, while Chittagong witnessed similar fates for four ready-made garment (RMG) factories and several others.

Gazi Group Factories Targeted

The most severe attacks occurred at five factories owned by Gazi Group in Rupganj, Narayanganj, which were targeted twice in the last three weeks. The violence intensified following the arrest of former Jute and Textile Minister Golam Dastgir Gazi. Miscreants attacked Gazi Tank, Gazi Tyre, Gazi Pump, Gazi Door, and Gazi Pipe factories, with the 45-acre Gazi Tyre factory suffering the most devastating damage. According to sources, at least 10,000 workers employed in these five factory units are currently unemployed.

FBCCI President Mahbubul Alam warned that if this unruly situation persists, business will come to a standstill, leading to new instability. He emphasized that while individuals who commit crimes should be held accountable, destroying industries—a key part of the country's wealth—is senseless.

Businesses Demand Strict Action

Businesses are calling for the government to take a firm stance and implement strict measures to ensure that factories can operate without the threat of attacks. Ehsan mentioned that they have urged the interim government to take adequate measures and plan to meet with the home affairs advisor in the coming days.

“We want exemplary punishment for those involved in vandalism and looting so that others are deterred. If necessary, their families can also be brought under legal measures,” he added.

Mohiuddin Rubel believes that a vested interest group is behind these heinous acts, intending to damage the country's global image. "We want the law enforcers and the government to be stricter in protecting the industries, the lifelines of the country’s economy. We also need increased awareness in this regard," he noted.

In a letter to Finance and Commerce Advisor Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, Mahbubur Rahman, President of the International Chamber of Commerce, Bangladesh (ICC-B), urged the immediate restoration of law and order by Joint Forces at economic zones, factories, and other locations of industrial output, along with the cessation of all types of extortion.

On August 27, the BGMEA board discussed law and order issues with representatives from the Industrial Police, DCs, NSI, DGFI, DIFE, and other responsible organizations. Additionally, a delegation from the FBCCI recently met with Chief of Army Staff Waker Uz Zaman to address these concerns.

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