Dhaka:Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has described the recent unrest in the garment sector as a politically motivated conspiracy aimed at destabilizing the country. He claimed that external forces are manipulating workers to incite instability rather than advocating for legitimate labor demands.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Salahuddin made these remarks following an inter-ministerial meeting at the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, which reviewed the draft Cyber Security (Amendment) Act, 2026. He asserted that genuine workers were not involved in the violent activities, alleging that outsiders were using the labor protest as a facade to carry out destructive actions.
Salahuddin further alleged the involvement of certain garment factory owners, former lawmakers, and former ministers from the previous Awami League government in the unrest, suggesting they had political motives. He also accused criminal groups and reactionary forces of conspiring to destabilize the country with support from a neighboring country.
The minister stated that the government had instructed law enforcement to respond firmly to such acts of violence. He explained that the primary demand of the workers was the establishment of a Wage Board to review the minimum wage every three years, and assured that the government had begun forming the board, which had already held its first meeting.
The board is working on a new wage structure set to be effective from January 1, 2027, considering factors such as inflation and the economic situation. Salahuddin emphasized Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's commitment to improving workers' living standards and ensuring their welfare, while also focusing on increasing exports, strengthening the economy, and creating more jobs.
Salahuddin mentioned that recent discussions with garment factory owners and labor leaders concluded that the destructive activities were politically driven rather than genuine labor movements. He noted the government's patience in handling the situation and instructed law enforcement to avoid excessive force.
Despite injuries sustained by law enforcement personnel, they refrained from using force against workers. The minister warned that criminal groups involved in the violence would face consequences and urged workers to ignore rumors and return to work to maintain industrial production and protect livelihoods.
Regarding the detention of journalist Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury, Salahuddin mentioned that any detention would be based on specific allegations, and legal steps would be taken accordingly. Meanwhile, the newly formed Minimum Wage Board for the ready-made garment sector announced that the new wage structure would be implemented in December, with increased wages effective from January 2027.