The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) on Tuesday dismissed media reports claiming that several garment factories, including those of DBL Group, had shut down due to gas and power shortages.
In a press release, the country’s apex trade body for garment exporters described the information as “completely false and baseless”.
The association stated that reports circulated by certain newspapers, online portals, and social media platforms had created unnecessary confusion among stakeholders and could potentially undermine the stability of the nation’s readymade garment (RMG) industry.
The BGMEA clarified that despite ongoing gas and power shortages, its member factories have managed to keep production operational with government support. It added that factory owners are making every possible effort to maintain production under existing constraints to ensure that export operations remain uninterrupted.
Regarding scheduling, BGMEA explained that many factories would remain closed this Thursday. This is an adjustment to account for the upcoming government holiday on 5 August and the weekly holiday and is being carried out in accordance with labour rules.
The association emphasised that such scheduling is a normal operational practice used during periods of gas shortages and has no connection to permanent or temporary factory closures.
The BGMEA warned that publishing unverified reports about factory shutdowns could cause serious confusion and concern among local and international buyers and business partners.
Such misinformation, it said, could damage the long-standing credibility of Bangladesh’s RMG sector and risk the livelihoods of millions of workers who depend on the industry.
Describing RMG sector as the backbone of national economy, BGMEA urged media organisations and all concerned parties to provide objective and verified information in the best interest of the industry.
