Dhaka:Law enforcement agencies have reported that leaders and activists of the banned Awami League and its affiliate organizations are allegedly involved in inciting violence under the guise of a garment workers' movement in Mirpur and surrounding areas of the capital.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, government officials have indicated that attempts are being made to divert the legitimate movement of ordinary workers, creating instability in the country. The Ministry of Labour and Employment has initiated a new wage board to increase the wages of garment workers, with representatives from the government, owners, and workers aiming to finalize the new salary structure swiftly.
In response to the unrest, the Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a warning that any attacks on state property, arson, or disruptions to public safety under the pretense of workers' protests will be strictly dealt with. Industrial Police Chief and Additional Inspector General of Police Gazi Jashim Uddin suggested that third-party instigation is a factor in the labor unrest, despite measures such as forming a minimum wage board for RMG workers.
Mohammad Rakib Khan, Deputy Commissioner of the Mirpur Division of Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Police, revealed that 11 leaders and activists from the Awami League, Jubo League, and Chhatra League were arrested for allegedly attacking police and setting fire to a government vehicle. It was found that these individuals were not local garment workers but had traveled from other districts to conduct sabotage under the guise of the workers' movement.
Law enforcement officials have highlighted an ongoing conspiracy to spread panic and destabilize the country, with activists from the banned organization posing as garment workers or operating behind the scenes. The unrest caused significant disruption in Mirpur, leading to the closure of metro stations and severe traffic congestion, affecting thousands of people.