Dhaka:Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has described the ongoing violence in the country's garment sector as a planned political conspiracy aimed at destabilizing the nation, asserting that it is not a typical workers’ movement.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the home minister indicated that investigations revealed the involvement of several garment factory owners, former members of parliament, and ministers from the previous Awami League government in the unrest. He also claimed that conspiracies were being orchestrated from a neighboring country to destabilize Bangladesh.
During a briefing at the Posts and Telecommunications Ministry, Salahuddin Ahmed stated that the unrest was being fueled by outsiders and non-workers engaging in destructive activities under the guise of workers’ movements. He highlighted that the demands of the workers included the formation of a wage board every three years to determine a new minimum wage, a process already initiated by the government.
The minister emphasized the government's commitment to workers' welfare, noting that the Prime Minister had instructed improvements in workers' living standards. He also mentioned that the government aims to increase exports, achieve economic prosperity, and create new employment opportunities.
Despite the unrest, the government has engaged in discussions with garment factory owners and workers' leaders, reaching a consensus that the violence is politically motivated. On the law enforcement front, Salahuddin noted that security personnel have been instructed to exercise restraint, despite several officers sustaining injuries.
The minister urged garment workers to disregard rumors and provocations, encouraging them to return to work to maintain industrial production and safeguard the national economy. Addressing inquiries about the detention of Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury, he stated that legal steps would be taken if necessary, based on specific allegations.