Pacific Jeans shuts down all 8 Ctg EPZ factories indefinitely after worker unrest

Leading denim exporter Pacific Jeans Group has announced indefinite closure of all eight factories inside the Chattogram Export Processing Zone (CEPZ) following three days of worker unrest and violent clashes.

The decision, effective from October 16, was made after a group of workers from Pacific Jeans Ltd allegedly stopped work, created chaos, and disconnected electrical connections on October 14. They reportedly compelled others to join a walkout and later attacked other units, forcing operations to halt across the group.

Separate notices signed by Managing Director Syed M Tanvir cited clashes between worker groups, attacks inside factories, and an unsafe working environment. Despite management directives to resume duties, workers continued their protest on October 15 and 16. Clashes broke out between protesting and non-protesting workers, resulting in vandalism and physical assaults on officials and employees, the notices said.

The notices said that due to the unrest, forced work stoppage, and unstable conditions, it had become impossible to continue operations. For the safety of workers, employees, and factory assets, the group declared a full shutdown until further notice. Officials said the reopening date will be announced once a conducive environment is restored.

Pacific Jeans Group employs over 35,000 workers across its seven factories: Pacific Jeans Ltd, Pacific Jeans Ltd-2, Jeans 2000, Universal Jeans, NHT Fashions, Pacific Accessories, Pacific Workswear, and Pacific Attires.