The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has announced a general holiday for all garment factories across the country on August 5, in observance of the July Mass Uprising Day.
In an official statement, the BGMEA said the decision was made in solidarity with the government-declared public holiday and as a tribute to those who were martyred during the movement to restore democracy.
The statement noted that while the government has officially declared August 5 a public holiday each year, garment factories are not legally obligated to observe it, as they are only required to grant 11 festival holidays annually under Section 118 of the Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006, and Rule 110 of the Labour Rules, 2015.
Nonetheless, the BGMEA urged all concerned factory owners to keep their facilities closed on that day, stating, "In memory of the martyrs and out of respect for the government`s decision, we strongly encourage all garment factories to treat August 5 as a general holiday."
August 5 will be commemorated across Bangladesh as ‘July Mass Uprising Day’, a significant occasion that honors those who sacrificed their lives in the pro-democracy movement.
Industry insiders see BGMEA`s decision as a reflection of its social responsibility and respect for national values.
