Thirteen Garment Factories Shut in Gazipur

Gazipur, the industrial hub on the outskirts of Bangladesh’s capital, has long been a symbol of the country’s thriving manufacturing sector. Every morning, hundreds of thousands of workers fill its roads on their way to factories that produce garments and other export goods. Today, however, a different picture is emerging. Factory gates that once welcomed workers are displaying closure notices, production lines have fallen silent, and thousands of employees are facing an uncertain future.

Over the past week alone, 13 garment and textile factories in Gazipur have suspended operations. While some closures have been driven by severe financial difficulties, others have followed labour unrest and workplace disputes. Each shutdown has left more families without a stable source of income, adding to growing concerns over employment and economic security in one of Bangladesh’s most important industrial regions.

Industry insiders say the difficulties have been building for some time. Rising raw material prices, persistent shortages of gas and electricity, higher production costs, expensive bank loans and a decline in international export orders have placed enormous pressure on manufacturers. At the same time, labour protests over wages, benefits and workplace conditions have created additional challenges. Together, these factors have forced several factory owners to halt production, either temporarily or indefinitely.

The latest closure involves Islam Garments Limited (Unit-2), located in the Jarun area of Gazipur City. Tensions escalated after worker Rubina Begum fell ill and later died after being taken to hospital. The incident sparked protests among employees, raising fears of vandalism inside the factory. Citing Section 13(1) of the Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006, the management announced an indefinite suspension of operations from 1 July. The decision immediately left approximately 2,500 workers without jobs.

Earlier, five industrial units belonging to Lithi Group in the Bagher Bazar area of Gazipur Sadar were also closed simultaneously. In a notice issued on Wednesday night, the company cited prolonged disruption to its gas supply, declining purchase orders, uncertainty over future contracts, years of labour unrest, lower selling prices for its products and the inability to secure timely banking support as the principal reasons behind the shutdown.

The affected companies are Apparel-21 Limited, Fomcom Fashion Limited, Fomcom Dyeing Limited, Fomcom Printing Limited and Fomcom Knitting Limited. Their closure has further deepened concerns about the financial health of manufacturing businesses operating in the district.

Another major development has been the permanent closure of Unique Designers and Unique Washing Limited in the Board Bazar area. Around 1,800 workers lost their employment as a result. Many are now struggling with uncertainty over unpaid wages, service benefits, household expenses and their children’s education.

Following the closure, representatives from the Industrial Police, the Department of Labour, the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments, factory management and workers held a tripartite meeting to address employees’ outstanding payments. Although several decisions were taken regarding the settlement of wages, service benefits and other dues, there remains no certainty about whether the lost jobs will ever return.

Gazipur Industrial Police Superintendent Mohammad Amzad Hossain said the authorities had been compelled to permanently close the factory because of financial difficulties and other operational challenges. He added that both management and workers had agreed on 11 decisions concerning the payment of outstanding salaries, service benefits and other financial entitlements.

The wave of closures has also spread to Chandra in Kaliakair, where four factories suspended operations on the same day. They are Apex Spinning and Knitting Mills Limited, Apex Textile Printing Mills Limited, Apex Laundry Mills Limited and Apex Yarn Dyeing Limited.

Management stated that the shutdown followed unrest linked to workers’ demands for service benefits. According to the official notice, operations would remain suspended from 22 June until further notice. The company alleged that a section of workers had unlawfully disrupted production and created disorder within the factories. As a result, the management invoked Section 13(1) of the Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006, to justify the indefinite closure.

According to the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments in Gazipur, two additional factories have joined the list of closures during the past week. These are Fashion Linkers Limited in the Kodda-Naojor area and Cortex Apparels Limited in Kashimpur.

The growing number of factory closures has raised fresh concerns about the stability of Bangladesh’s ready-made garment sector, which remains the country’s largest export industry and a major source of employment. While discussions continue over workers’ compensation and possible reopening plans, the immediate impact is being felt by thousands of families whose livelihoods now depend on when—or whether—these factories resume production.

Deputy Chief Inspector of the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments in Gazipur, Engineer M. M. Mamun-Or-Rashid, expressed hope that the closed factories would eventually resume production, though no timeframe has yet been announced.