All Garment Factories to Remain Closed on 5 August: BGMEA

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has officially announced a general holiday for all garment factories across the country on 5 August, in observance of ‘July People’s Uprising Day’.

This decision, outlined in a formal notice by BGMEA, aims to show solidarity with the government-declared public holiday and to honour the martyrs of the democratic movement.

Highlights from the BGMEA Announcement:

Legal Clarification:

The BGMEA noted that under Section 118 of the Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006 and Rule 110 of the Labour Rules, 2015, garment factories are only obligated to observe 11 pre-declared festival holidays per year. Therefore, this particular closure is not legally compulsory, but rather a voluntary act of respect and social responsibility.

Official Statement:

“Although the 5 August holiday is not legally required for garment factories, we are specially requesting all associated factories to suspend operations on that day to honour the martyrs and uphold the spirit of the government’s declaration.”

This voluntary closure reflects the industry’s commitment to national values and has been welcomed as a gesture of social responsibility by stakeholders in the garment sector.

5 August is now nationally recognised in Bangladesh as ‘July People’s Uprising Day’, commemorating those who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for democratic restoration.