Garment exporters yesterday expressed concern over frequent strikes and road blockades, saying these programmes seriously affect the economy and the apparel sector.

“We are extremely worried over the recent strikes and a road blockade programme,” said Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) in a statement.

It said the country witnessed four such programmes -- three strikes and one road blockade - this month, imposed by different political parties, including the main opposition.

“We request the political parties to shun hartal for the sake of the economy,” said the statement.
It said Bangladesh's garment industry is now facing a crucial time due to the debt crisis in the European countries and a sluggish US economy.

Though the garment industry is unofficially out of the purview of shutdown, apparel makers fail to communicate with the supporting industries such as textile factories and suppliers due to the strikes, the trade body said.