The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has advised export-oriented garment factories near Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to consider declaring a holiday, if necessary, on Thursday, ahead of the return of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman.
In a notice issued on Monday, BGMEA said Tarique Rahman is scheduled to arrive at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 11:00am on 25 December on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight.
The association said a large gathering is expected in and around the airport area to welcome him after a gap of 17 years, which could disrupt traffic and public movement.
According to the notice, the anticipated crowd and related security measures may affect the movement of garment workers and the transportation of urgent import and export consignments in Uttara East and West, Uttarkhan, Dakshinkhan, Khilkhet, Abdullahpur, Turag, Tongi, Pubail, Rupganj, Kanchan Bridge and Ashulia.
BGMEA asked factory authorities in the zones to “take necessary decisions on worker movement and logistics management, considering the overall situation.”
If required, factories may declare 25 December a holiday and offset production losses by observing a general working day either before or after the date in consultations with workers’ representatives.
BGMEA also urged the use of alternative routes for covered vans engaged in emergency import and export operations until traffic conditions in airport-adjacent areas return to normal.
