Dhaka:Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has issued a stern warning against any attempts to incite unrest in the garment sector, emphasizing that legal action will be pursued against those who provoke workers to protest and shut down factories for political purposes.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Salahuddin Ahmed addressed reporters following an inter-ministerial meeting on shrimp estate management at the Secretariat's Land Ministry conference room. He highlighted that the government is committed to reopening factories that have been closed due to ongoing street demonstrations by workers.
The Home Minister noted that certain miscreants are attempting attacks, despite worker demands being met through the establishment of a wage board. Discussions with garment and knitwear workers' organizations and factory owner representatives have reportedly left all parties satisfied.
The Minimum Wage Board has commenced its duties, with negotiations between workers' and employers' representatives underway to establish a new minimum wage. Salahuddin mentioned the government's request for the board to factor in improvements to workers' living standards during wage determinations.
He emphasized that the current climate leaves no room for further instability in the sector, accusing some groups linked to "defeated fascist forces" of conspiring to create unrest for political gain. Such efforts, he stated, will be met with decisive action.