Pacific Jeans Limited plans to demolish a structurally unsafe factory building at the Chattogram Export Processing Zone (CEPZ) and construct a modern, eco-friendly facility on the site, creating employment opportunities for around 10,000 workers.
In a press release issued on Sunday, the company said the decision followed a declaration by the RMG Sustainability Council (RSC) that the building posed structural safety risks.
The approximately 34-year-old building underwent a specialised structural safety inspection by the RSC, followed by a Detailed Engineering Assessment (DEA), which identified the risk of potential structural failure. Prioritising workers’ safety, the company has decided to suspend production in the affected building and proceed with its demolition.
However, production at the company’s other units and factories under the Pacific Jeans Group will continue uninterrupted, the statement said.
Workers to receive legal entitlements
The process of terminating the employment of workers assigned to the building began on October 31 in accordance with the Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006.
Pacific Jeans said affected workers would receive their lawful compensation and other applicable benefits, including outstanding wages, overtime payments, allowances, compensation for unused earned leave, notice pay, service benefits and gratuity.
According to the press release, final settlements are being credited to workers’ respective bank accounts on their employment termination dates.
The company has also taken steps to provide workers with detailed pay slips, experience certificates and letters of recommendation to support their future employment prospects.
Existing workers to get priority for re-employment
Pacific Jeans plans to build a new, modern and environmentally friendly factory on the same site after demolishing the existing structure. Construction will begin once the necessary approvals and formalities have been completed.
The proposed facility is expected to create jobs for approximately 10,000 workers once production begins. The company has also said that workers affected by the closure will receive priority in recruitment for the new factory.
The initiative forms part of the company’s long-term industrial development plans, with worker safety, employment prospects and sustainable manufacturing among its stated priorities.
Pacific Jeans Limited has expressed gratitude to the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA), relevant government authorities, business partners, buyers and other stakeholders for their cooperation and support.
