What drove hundreds of thousands of workers to rush back to cities?

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Government Decision to Reopen Export Factories Amidst COVID-19 Surge Drove Workers Back to Cities

Hundreds of thousands of Bangladeshi garment workers returned to major cities, overwhelming transportation hubs, following the government's decision to permit export factories to resume operations. This directive was issued despite a significant surge in coronavirus infections and fatalities, with the government citing the economic repercussions of failing to meet export deadlines as the primary motivation. The decision to allow these specific factories to reopen, excluding them from a nationwide lockdown, was influenced by warnings from factory owners about potential "catastrophic" consequences.
Economic Imperatives Overshadowed Public Health Concerns

The government's directive to reopen export-oriented garment factories, which supply major European and North American brands, was largely driven by concerns over economic stability. Influential factory owners had cautioned that delays in fulfilling foreign brand orders could lead to catastrophic outcomes. The potential loss of up to US$3 billion in export orders was a significant factor, as brands were expected to redirect their business to other countries if production ceased.
The Garment Industry's Central Role in Bangladesh's Economy

The garment sector is the bedrock of Bangladesh's economy, providing employment for over four million individuals and solidifying the nation's position as the world's second-largest garment exporter. This economic significance played a crucial role in the government's decision to permit factories to operate during a period of heightened public health risk. The industry's contribution is vital for the country of 169 million people.
Mass Movement Triggered by Reopening Announcement

The announcement that the country's approximately 4,500 garment factories could reopen from July 31, despite the nationwide lockdown in place until August 5, triggered an immediate and substantial movement of workers. Many who had returned to their villages for the Eid al Adha festival or to avoid the lockdown conditions rushed back to industrial centres like Dhaka. This resulted in scenes of mass gatherings at train and bus stations, with workers utilising any available means of transport.
Workers Faced Difficult Journeys Back to Factories

The return journey for many garment workers was arduous, marked by overcrowding and significant delays. At locations like the Shimulia ferry station, south of Dhaka, tens of thousands of workers queued for hours to reach the capital. Accounts from workers described navigating numerous police checkpoints and enduring packed ferries, highlighting the challenging circumstances of their return to work amidst the ongoing pandemic.

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What drove hundreds of thousands of workers to rush back to cities?

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