Garment Factories Close Nationwide After Khaleda Zia’s Death

Bangladesh’s readymade garment industry will observe a nationwide one-day general holiday on Wednesday following the death of Begum Khaleda Zia, former Prime Minister and Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The decision comes in response to the government’s declaration of three days of state mourning and a one-day public holiday to honour the late political leader.

The announcement was formally communicated on Tuesday afternoon (30 December) through a press release issued by the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA). The notice was signed by BGMEA Acting Secretary Major (Retd) Md Saiful Islam and circulated among all member factories across the country.

According to the statement, Begum Khaleda Zia—who served as Prime Minister of Bangladesh on three separate occasions and remained a towering figure in the nation’s political landscape—passed away at around 6:00 am on Tuesday. In recognition of her passing, the government proclaimed three days of state mourning, during which the national flag will be flown at half-mast, alongside a one-day general holiday.

Expressing full alignment with the government’s decision, BGMEA urged all its member garment factories to suspend operations on Wednesday as a mark of respect. The organisation emphasised that the closure reflects the garment sector’s collective tribute to a leader whose policies and leadership significantly influenced Bangladesh’s economic and industrial growth.

In a separate condolence message released the same day, BGMEA conveyed deep sorrow over Begum Khaleda Zia’s death. BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan described her passing as an irreparable loss for the nation, stating that the entire garment industry family stands profoundly shocked and saddened.

“Bangladesh has lost a guardian-like leader and a timeless patriot,” he said in his statement. “The vacuum created by her departure from national life is impossible to fill. Her sincerity, vision, and courageous policy decisions—particularly those supporting the global expansion of the readymade garment sector—will forever remain milestones in the history of our industry.”

The statement further noted that Begum Khaleda Zia played a pioneering role in placing Bangladesh’s economy on a strong and sustainable footing. During the early 1990s, under her firm leadership, Bangladesh embarked on a comprehensive transition towards a free-market economy. This strategic shift opened unprecedented opportunities for private sector growth, enabling industries—especially the garment sector—to flourish and emerge as the backbone of the country’s export economy.

BGMEA concluded its message by offering prayers for the eternal peace of the departed soul and extending heartfelt condolences to her family, political colleagues, and millions of admirers at home and abroad.

Key Facts at a Glance