Ex-Ministers, MPs, and Owners Behind Garment Unrest: Home Adviser
Home Adviser Lt. Gen. Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury (Retd.) stated that politically motivated instigators are behind the recent labor unrest and violence in Bangladesh’s readymade garment (RMG) sector. He alleged that certain factory owners, including former ministers, state ministers, and MPs from the previous regime, are involved in orchestrating the disruptions. He warned that those identified will face strict legal action.
The Home Adviser outlined government measures to safeguard workers’ interests, keep factories operational, and restore stability to the RMG sector.
He spoke to reporters at the Secretariat on Monday following a meeting with leaders of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA).
“Supporters of the ousted autocratic regime have been exploiting innocent workers to instigate unrest,” the Home Adviser said. “Attempts are being made to destabilize the nation through road blockades, arson, and violence. Those instigating these acts have been identified.”
He added that it is deeply regrettable that some factory owners and individuals operating under the guise of labor unions are engaging in activities detrimental to workers’ welfare.
The meeting was attended by the Labor Adviser, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Mahdi Amin, labor leader Shimul Biswas, top secretaries, senior police officials, and heads of intelligence agencies.
Government Demands List of Instigators
The government has requested BGMEA and BKMEA leaders to submit a list of owners who intentionally shut down factories, as well as individuals and organizations inciting labor disruptions.
“We have verified evidence that former ministers, state ministers, and MPs are actively instigating these disruptions,” the Adviser noted.
Confirming several arrests, he added, “We have collected audio recordings and video footage of violent incidents. Anyone involved in unlawful activities or conspiring to create instability under the pretext of labor protests will face strict law enforcement.”
He stressed that genuine workers would not harm their own livelihoods and urged any misled workers to refrain from violence.
New Wage Board Formed for Garment Workers
The Home Adviser announced the formation of a Minimum Wage Board to revise garment workers’ wages. While factory owners nominated representatives earlier, labor organizations recently finalized their nominees.
Following the submission of worker representatives’ names, the Ministry of Labor officially gazetted the wage board, which will begin deliberations shortly.
Although the statutory deadline extends through December, authorities aim to finalize the new minimum wage structure as quickly as possible.
He noted directives to determine wages compassionately, taking into account current economic realities and worker welfare.
24-Hour Control Room Established at Police Headquarters
A special control room has been set up at Police Headquarters to monitor industrial zones around the clock.
Focal points have been designated across the Home Ministry, police forces, BGMEA, and BKMEA to maintain constant communication.
Real-time monitoring and information sharing will be conducted via the ‘Shohor/Surakkha’ platform to address emerging situations immediately.
Responding to queries regarding preventive intelligence actions, the Adviser stated that peaceful dialogue was prioritized, and earlier formation of the wage board depended on receiving worker nominations.
He affirmed that law enforcement agencies have clear directives to suppress any further violence or disruption firmly.
Government Support to Reopen Closed Factories
Addressing factory closures, the Home Adviser emphasized that while some units face financial or order shortages, the government will assist in reopening factories temporarily shuttered due to unrest, ensuring worker employment remains protected.
He encouraged factory owners to resolve disputes through dialogue while warning against deliberate destabilization.
A separate meeting with labor leaders was scheduled for Monday afternoon to gather worker perspectives following the morning’s discussion with factory owners.
External Political Influence and Extradition Efforts
The Adviser warned against cross-border political interference intended to create instabilities in Bangladesh.
He assured that security forces are prepared to thwart any attempts to create chaos centered around upcoming key calendar dates.
Regarding convicted individuals living abroad, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, he stated that official extradition requests have been submitted through the Foreign Ministry under bilateral treaties.
Concluding his remarks, the Home Adviser reiterated that the interim administration remains committed to supporting both labor rights and industrial investment while ensuring economic stability.
