Despite heightened surveillance by the government, factory owners, and law enforcement, unrest among workers in the country’s industrial zones continues to simmer. On Monday (September 9), 90 garment factories were unexpectedly shut down, even as production continued in other facilities.

According to Superintendent Sarwar Alam of Shilpa Police-1, workers from several garment factories staged walkouts in the morning without reporting for duty. In response, authorities announced the closure of 90 factories. However, no major incidents of violence were reported, and additional forces, including police, army, BGB, and RAB, were deployed to keep the situation under control.

Just a day earlier, on Sunday (September 8), 30 factories in Ashulia were also forced to close due to worker protests over various demands.

Industry insiders suggest a broader plot to destabilize the garment sector. Factory owners believe both domestic and foreign entities are involved, taking advantage of the unrest following the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government. According to some, these disruptions are part of an orchestrated effort to harm Bangladesh's vital garment industry.

Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) President Mohammad Hatem expressed concern, saying, "I believe these aren't genuine workers. They are attempting to create instability in different ways, and it’s clear that hidden forces are driving this unrest."

BKMEA Director Mohiuddin Rubel echoed this sentiment, pointing to potential external and internal forces conspiring together to cause instability in the garment industry.

Experts warn that with around 4 million workers directly employed in the sector and another 20 million people indirectly benefiting, any prolonged disruption in the garment industry could have severe consequences for the country’s economy.