Update: 15.11.2023
The country-wide blockade imposed at the beginning of this month by opposition activists in Bangladesh was renewed this week.
A second 48-hour blockade will occur today and tomorrow, 15 and 16 November.
According to the most recent update, the blockade imposed challenges to maintain normal vehicle movement in the country. Cargo transport to the ports was impacted, and delays to vessel sailing schedules are expected.
In addition, workers in the garment sector continue to strike as no resolution was reached to raise the wages of workers. Garment workers have taken their place on the streets and several factories remained closed.
Original article: 03.11.2023
For the second time this month, political activists belonging to opposition groups - including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) - will carry out a transport blockade campaign nationwide.
In a new customer advisory, Kuhene+Nagel sources highlighted that a 48-hour blockade will be staged on 5 and 6 November. This comes after the first blockade occurred earlier this week, from 31 October to 2 November.
The new developments could potentially lead to disruptions in container freight station activities, port operations and vessel sailing schedules, advises Kuehne+Nagel.
Risk management agency Crisis24 also expects activists to block major roadways, rail tracks, and ferry docks. Other types of protests and demonstrations are also expected during this period.
According to the agency, these campaigns were triggered by incidents of deaths and arrests of BNP leaders and supporters during protests. However, they are not the only form of unrest the country has witnessed this week.
Hundreds of garment factories shut down
Local news in Bangladesh has also reported the closure of "hundreds of garment factories" after workers took to the streets to demand higher salaries.
The Daily Star, one of Bangladesh's English newspapers, reveals that nearly 300 garment factories were shut on Thursday, 2 November, as roughly 3,000 workers participated in protests.
"The latest flurry of protests came after garment manufacturers proposed a minimum wage that is nearly half of what the workers are asking for," writes the newspaper.
A large number of the factories are located in Gazipur and Ashulia, among other areas. Analysts believe the closure of factories could have adverse effects on the industry if the issue of wages is not resolved soon.
“The longer it takes to announce a reasonable wage structure, the more the industry will suffer,” union leader Touhidur Rahman told the media.
