The central bank has offered soft loans for the apparel industry but the incentive has met with growing security concerns as worker protests forced dozens of readymade garment factories to suspend production near Dhaka on Sunday. Bangladesh's export-oriented industries are set to receive a soft loan to pay August salaries amid the ongoing instability in the country. The Bangladesh Bank extended this support in response to the industries' call for help them wither the tough time.In its circular issued Sunday, the central bank asked banks to take steps so that loan funds are disbursed directly to the workers' bank accounts or through mobile financial systems. The loan is repayable in a year with three months' grace period.Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Khandoker Rafiqul Islam earlier said approximately Tk2,800 crores are required to cover a single month's salary for RMG workers. But the good gesture came at a time when the apparel industry owners are faced with a fresh wave of labour protests. At least 55 apparel factories in the Ashulia industrial area near capital Dhaka suspended production on Sunday as workers came out of factories and protested in the streets for rights and benefits, creating fresh worries among owners about safety of their industries. Referring to discussions with labour leaders, the BGMEA president noted that they have indicated they are not involved in the unreasonable demands that have surfaced. According to BGMEA officials, approximately 55 ready-made garment (RMG) units of some 40 groups were closed from Sunday as a result of worker unrest in the Ashulia area. (ICE NEW DELHI)

Fonte notizia: The Business Standard