"We have decided to reopen the factories from tomorrow after the government assurance of adequate security," Mohammad Atiqul Islam, the president of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), said after a meeting with senior government ministers.
Home minister Mahiuddin Khan Alamgir promised to ensure law and order at the industrial hub at suburban Ashulia, while the workers preferred to return to the production line after assurances of enhanced safety steps and wages.
Bangladesh's top garment factories, which make clothing for a string of major Western retailers including Walmart, H&M, Tesco, Inditex and Carrefour, are based at Ashulia.
The tragedy that highlighted appalling safety conditions in the sector sparked afresh workers protests and western retailers concerns about the safety standards and low wages.
Also Read
Angry workers also demanded an increase in their minimum monthly wage, which was fixed at USD 38 in November 2010.
The government also formed a wage board to consider pay increases for ready-made garment workers.