Dhaka:Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury has called on readymade garment (RMG) workers to resume work and for factory owners to reopen their units, assuring government support and security to facilitate the return to normal operations in the garment sector.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister made this appeal during a press conference after a high-level tripartite meeting involving government representatives, garment factory owners, and workers' leaders at the Ministry of Labour and Employment. The meeting aimed to address recent unrest and ensure a smooth resumption of activities in the sector.
Prime Minister's Adviser and PMO Spokesperson Mahdi Amin and Parliamentary Standing Committee Chairman on the Ministry of Labour and Employment Advocate Md Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas were present at the press conference, along with representatives from the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), and various trade unions.
The minister highlighted the swift formation of a Minimum Wage Board, following discussions with workers' and owners' representatives, as a step towards addressing wage-related demands. The board's rapid establishment and meeting schedule were presented as efforts to resolve issues through institutional mechanisms rather than protests.
In response to the recent death of a garment worker, Ariful Haque Choudhury expressed condolences and mentioned that interim financial support had been given to the worker’s family. He assured that an investigation would be conducted to bring those responsible to justice.
The minister also announced the Prime Minister’s approval for a 100-bed specialized hospital for garment workers in Tongi, Gazipur, with official procedures set to commence within a week.
Regarding recent arrests, the minister stated that innocent workers would be released after case reviews, while those involved in criminal activities would face legal action. He emphasized the importance of maintaining industrial peace and urged workers to channel grievances through trade unions instead of resorting to protests.
The government reiterated its commitment to supporting the garment industry, stressing the need for cooperation among workers, factory owners, and trade union leaders to restore a peaceful working environment.