Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday directed the authorities concerned to protect garment workers’ interests and ensure uninterrupted production and export activities in the apparel sector.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed relayed the prime minister’s instructions while speaking to reporters at the Secretariat at night, following a meeting on the prevailing situation in the garment sector.
At the same time, he warned that those involved in violence, sabotage, and attempts to create disorder in the name of the workers' movement will be dealt with strictly.
He stated that the prime minister had given advice and directives to ensure that garment workers’ interests are protected, their living standards improve, and production and development in Bangladesh are not disrupted, while exports increase. He added that the prime minister had asked them to take steps while keeping all of these issues in consideration.
Salahuddin stated that law enforcement agencies have been instructed to take strict action against individuals involved in violence or those attempting to generate disorder and instability.
"We have asked the law enforcement agencies to deal firmly with those who are involved in violence, behaving recklessly or trying to create unnecessary disorder and instability," he said.
The minister alleged that masked individuals infiltrated various incidents throughout the day, and claimed that certain quarters from across the border were instigating innocent garment workers to create instability and disrupt the nation's apparel production and export trade.
"Analysing the information available to the government, we have found that some people from across the border are instigating innocent garment workers to create instability in the country, disrupt export trade and hamper production in the garment industry," he said.
Salahuddin stated that the government will deal strictly with such activities and added that individuals involved in violent acts are being brought under the law.
"Police and other law enforcement agencies will take strict action against any attempt at sabotage or creating disorder," he added.
The minister stated that the government has established a wage board to revise the minimum wages for garment workers. Emphasizing that the issue can be resolved through discussions, the minister stressed that there is no need for violent demonstrations.
He said the law provides for the formation of a wage board every three years to review workers’ minimum wages. “Although there is time until December to form the board, the government has taken the initiative earlier through discussions with representatives of employers and workers.”
Salahuddin stated that while employers had previously submitted the names of their representatives, there was a delay in receiving nominations from workers' organisations. He added that after the worker representatives' names were received on Saturday night, the government formed the board and issued a notification on Sunday morning.
He stated that the employer and worker representatives on the board will discuss and recommend minimum wages by considering workers’ living standards, their capacity to maintain a decent family life, and their financial capacity.
The minister said the government is sincere about protecting workers’ interests and improving their living standards.
He alleged, however, that violence occurred under the guise of the workers' movement, citing the torching of police vehicles, attacks at various locations, vehicle vandalism, and arson at factories. "There was no need for such violence when the issue of wages could be discussed and resolved through dialogue," he stated.
Salahuddin said the prime minister instructed the authorities concerned to ensure workers’ welfare and improve their living standards.
Tarique Rahman also advised the wage board and asked the Ministry of Labour and Employment to take necessary steps to protect workers’ interests, he said.
The government wants peace, discipline, development and progress, the minister said, adding that its goal is to expand the garment industry, increase export earnings and create more employment opportunities for workers.
He also recalled the contribution of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman to the development of Bangladesh's garment industry, stating that the government aims for further sector growth, expanded exports and increased employment opportunities.
Asked whether factories closed amid the unrest would reopen on Monday, Salahuddin said garment factory owners have been urged to keep production running.
“If any factory has been closed for some reason, the closure should be temporary. Owners and workers should maintain normal production through mutual discussions and understanding,” he said.
The minister stressed that production and supply of goods for export must not be disrupted under any circumstances.
Asked when the wage board will hold its first meeting, he advised reporters to contact the board chairman for details.
The meeting began at 6pm at the Cabinet Division conference room of the Secretariat to review the situation surrounding the garment workers’ movement and clashes with police at different places.
Those present included Prime Minister’s Political Adviser Nazrul Islam Khan, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury, State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Mir Shahe Alam, Prime Minister’s Adviser Mahdi Amin and Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal Chief Coordinator Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, MP.
Why it matters
The directive addresses crucial labor unrest in Bangladesh's vital garment sector, balancing worker welfare with national export security.