Gazipur:Garment workers returned to their workplaces in Gazipur's industrial belt this morning after the government decided to form a tripartite wage commission. This commission is tasked with determining the minimum wage and implementing a new salary structure starting in December.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, nearly 100 percent of factories in Tongi, Basan, Konabari, and Sreepur areas resumed normal production activities. Security measures have been heightened at many factories due to concerns about potential attacks by miscreants, while law enforcement agencies maintain a vigilant presence across the industrial zones.
Factory authorities reported that workers returned in a festive mood, appreciating the government's swift action in setting up the wage board. No incidents of rallies, demonstrations, or disturbances were reported in Gazipur district by this afternoon. Traffic on the Dhaka-Tongi, Dhaka-Mymensingh, and Dhaka-Tangail highways has remained normal since morning.
Previously, garment workers held demonstrations for four consecutive days, demanding higher minimum wages. This unrest led to several factories being vandalized and incidents of arson. Despite these events, most factories resumed operations on Wednesday, with some declaring holidays as a precaution.
At a press conference on Tuesday, leaders of the 'Sramik Mukti Sangram Parishad, Gazipur,' a coalition of 35 labor organizations, encouraged workers to return to their jobs. The organization's President, Tamiz Uddin Tanu, emphasized the garment industry's crucial role in the national economy and called for vigilance against any attempts to destabilize the area.
Mohammad Shafiul Alam from the Bangladesh Garments and Industrial Workers Federation highlighted that the wage board formation opens the door for addressing workers' demands. Meanwhile, law enforcement, including 12 platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh and eight platoons of SRB, are actively maintaining order under the guidance of 25 executive magistrates. Local lawmakers and representatives are also closely monitoring the situation to ensure stability in the industrial regions.