Dhaka: Labour and Employment Adviser Brig Gen (Retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hossain today disclosed that several garments factories were closed prior to last year’s August 5, contrary to the common belief that these closures happened after this date. He shared this information while speaking to journalists at a seminar held at the Bangladesh Public Administration Training Centre (BPATC).
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr Sakhawat highlighted that the owners of these garments factories secured substantial loans from banks but failed to disburse salaries and dues to employees on time. He revealed that these garment owners had taken loans ranging from Taka 200 crore to Taka 300 crore and are currently in default. Consequently, the banks have ceased extending further loans to them due to their failure to repay the borrowed funds promptly.
Dr Sakhawat further mentioned that many of these factory owners have left the country amidst their crises, as they operated their businesses relying on political ties. In response to another query, Dr Sakhawat asserted that most employees of the recently closed Beximco Group have already secured employment in various factories across the nation, including in Chattogram.