Bangladesh’s labour authorities have ordered a garment safety suspension at three facilities in Chattogram following structural inspections that identified critical building risks. HB Fashions, HKTG Garments, and Chumki Apparels — all operating from a shared six-storey building on Colonel Jones Road — must halt production until repairs are completed and officially certified.
The precautionary shutdown, effective after a 2 July Regional Crisis Prevention Committee meeting, affects approximately 1,300 workers. It reflects Bangladesh’s ongoing commitment to strengthening industrial safety within its vital ready-made garment (RMG) sector.
Three Chattogram Factories Suspended Over Structural Risks
The suspended factories share a six-storey commercial building on Colonel Jones Road in Chattogram. HB Fashions occupies all six floors, while HKTG Garments and Chumki Apparels operate from the ground, first, and second floors. Chumki Apparels has remained closed for nearly seven years due to financial difficulties, leaving the two active factories employing around 1,300 workers combined.
Bangladesh’s Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE) had already instructed the factories to suspend production before the formal closure order was issued. This pre-emptive step underscored the severity of the structural concerns identified during technical inspections.
RSC Assessment Triggers Garment Safety Suspension
The shutdown follows a formal engineering assessment by the RMG Sustainability Council (RSC), presented at the 2 July Regional Crisis Prevention Committee meeting at Chattogram Circuit House. The RSC concluded that continued operations posed structural risks to workers and property alike.
Based on its findings, the RSC recommended a set of immediate corrective actions:
- Vacating structurally vulnerable sections of the building
- Reducing excessive structural loads
- Installing temporary support systems
- Suspending all manufacturing until repairs pass a fresh technical inspection
Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Miah cited the Rana Plaza tragedy as a stark warning of what structural negligence can cost. DIFE Deputy Inspector General Mohammad Mahbubul Hasan confirmed the suspension was necessary and that production will only resume after official building certification is obtained.
Industry Response and Path to Factory Resumption
Factory operators have raised concerns about the economic impact on their workforce. HKTG Garments Managing Director Enamul Aziz Chowdhury noted that around 300–350 employees face uncertainty, despite 70–80% of renovation work already being complete and production having been shifted from unsafe areas.
Chumki Apparels Managing Director Abu Haider Chowdhury confirmed renovation work is progressing per the committee’s recommendations. The factory plans to resume once all repairs are finalised and the building receives official safety clearance.
Mohammad Ali Shaheen, Advocacy Head at IPSA, urged authorities to balance worker protection with employment continuity — allowing garment safety standards to guide which areas can safely continue operating. For more updates on Bangladesh’s RMG sector, visit the Info Center on textilezon.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which factories were suspended in Chattogram?
Three factories were suspended: HB Fashions, HKTG Garments, and Chumki Apparels. All three operate from a shared six-storey building on Colonel Jones Road in Chattogram, Bangladesh.
Why did Bangladesh order the garment safety suspension?
The RMG Sustainability Council’s engineering assessment identified structural weaknesses in the shared building. The Regional Crisis Prevention Committee ordered the halt on 2 July to protect the approximately 1,300 workers employed in the active facilities.
When can the suspended factories resume production?
The factories may restart only after completing all required structural repairs and receiving official certification confirming the building is safe for occupancy. HKTG Garments reported that 70–80% of renovation work was already complete at the time of the order.
Bangladesh’s consistent enforcement of building safety standards across its RMG sector confirms that worker protection and long-term export competitiveness are inseparable goals. The Chattogram suspension sets a clear precedent for proactive structural oversight throughout the industry.
