Dhaka:Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar has alleged that factions within the banned Awami League and its affiliated organisations could be exploiting the ongoing garment workers' unrest to destabilize the country. He called for a neutral investigation into these allegations during a press conference at the party's central office.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Porwar claimed that the ongoing movement seemed to be influenced by external forces with ulterior motives rather than being a genuine labour or trade union movement. He emphasized that ordinary workers should not be blamed without evidence, and those involved in violence and sabotage must be prosecuted regardless of their political affiliations.
Porwar expressed Jamaat's deep concern over the unrest, vandalism, factory closures, and the insecurity facing garment workers' livelihoods. The party demanded an impartial investigation into the death of worker Toufiq Sheikh, who died after being injured in clashes in Gazipur, and called for compensation for his family and proper treatment for injured workers.
Highlighting the financial struggles faced by workers and factory owners, Porwar urged the government to play a balanced role in resolving the crisis, cautioning against the excessive use of force by law enforcement. Jamaat presented a 15-point demand, including setting a new minimum wage retrospectively from January 2027, releasing innocent workers and leaders, and reopening closed factories.
The party also called for immediate dialogue among the government, factory owners, and workers' representatives, considering the workers' demand for a minimum monthly wage of Tk 30,000 while allowing room for compromise. Additional calls were made for improved worker welfare, including rationing, healthcare, housing, maternity protection, and workplace safety enhancements.