Dhaka:Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has urged the implementation of measures to safeguard the interests of garment workers, enhance their living conditions, and improve their financial capacity while ensuring continuous production and export activities in Bangladesh's readymade garment (RMG) sector.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed conveyed this message to journalists following a meeting with the Prime Minister at the Bangladesh Secretariat. The meeting aimed to address the evolving situation within the garment sector.
The Prime Minister has directed relevant authorities to focus on protecting workers' interests and enhancing their quality of life. Additionally, the Labour Ministry has been instructed to take appropriate actions, with the wage board advised to consider workers' welfare in determining minimum wages.
Minister Salahuddin emphasized the government's goals of peace, discipline, development, and progress, alongside expanding employment opportunities and increasing export earnings in the garment industry. He noted that a wage board is typically formed every three years to revise minimum wages, and although the government had until December, it expedited the process through discussions with factory owners and workers.
Factory owners had previously submitted their representatives, while nominations from workers' organizations were delayed until recently. Following receipt of the workers' representatives' names, the government established the wage board and issued a gazette notification. Discussions between employers and workers will focus on determining the minimum wage, considering living standards and financial capacities.
The minister highlighted that negotiations on wages remain open, and there is no need for violent demonstrations. However, incidents of arson, attacks, and vandalism have occurred under the pretext of protests, which are deemed unacceptable. Law enforcement agencies have been instructed to act against those causing violence or instability.
Regarding allegations of outsiders instigating unrest, the Home Minister noted that some individuals from across the border might be attempting to disrupt the garment industry. The government intends to address such activities firmly.
The minister also mentioned efforts to reopen temporarily closed factories, urging owners to maintain production through mutual understanding with workers. He emphasized the importance of uninterrupted production and export supply.
The meeting was attended by key figures, including Prime Minister's Political Adviser Nazrul Islam Khan and Labour Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury, among others.