Attempts Being Made to Destabilise the Country at the Instigation of Forces Across the Border: Home Minister

Garment owners who are linked to the politics of the Awami League, whose activities are banned, are also working behind the unrest. Home Minister Mr. Salahuddin Ahmed said it is sad that some industry owners are involved. He said former MPs and a former state minister are also involved. He spoke at a press conference yesterday morning at the Secretariat after meeting BGMEA and BKMEA leaders.

He said some owners shut factories on purpose, and the owners’ leaders were asked to give a list of them. The government also asked for a list of labor leaders and groups involved in creating unrest. Garment worker groups, BKMEA and BGMEA have long demanded a minimum wage board every three years. The government had earlier decided on this, and it began forming the board a few weeks ago. The owners gave the name of their representative, and the worker groups took a few days to give theirs.

At last they gave the name of their representative. The prime minister has given directions and advice to protect workers’ interests and improve their living standards. He wants the matter settled with great sympathy and with all issues considered. Both sides will discuss it. The labor minister formed the wage board with worker and owner names the day before yesterday.

The home minister said some parties backed by the fallen dictator have been using innocent workers to create unrest for some days. He said an announcement of the minimum wage may come soon. Still, three years are anyway complete by December. He hoped the board would fix the minimum wage after talks with all sides, based on reality. He said there is nothing to be unhappy about.

He said violent incidents have taken place in recent days, and some people have tried for weeks to organize them. They block roads and highways and light fires to create unrest. He said those who instigate them have been identified. He said it is doubtful whether some people under certain labor group banners want workers’ welfare at all. He said they have also caused unrest and violence.

He said, “We say in very strong words that those who act against workers’ interests, against law and order, and plot to destabilize the country in the name of a workers’ movement will be dealt with firmly.” He said the government has brought some people under the law. It has collected video footage and some evidence of their acts, including audio, video and photo clips of violent incidents. He said this government is friendly to industry, investment and trade. It will take every step for export growth and national development.

It will also take every step to create jobs and protect workers’ welfare and interests. He said the government spoke with the owners in the morning and will try to take their views through talks. It will act properly on that basis. On Ms. Sheikh Hasina’s return in December, he said fascist forces and fugitive leaders who want to return should return quickly. He asked why it should be December.

He said the government wants to bring them under the law and ensure quick justice. He said fugitive leaders are raising a hype about December to boost fugitive activists, and it will never succeed. He said December is the month of victory, and the government will hold several programs for it. He said the government wants convicted fascist accused and mafia forces to return quickly, wherever they have taken shelter. He said they will face the law and will also get fair justice.

Foreign Minister for expatriate welfare Mr. Ariful Haque Chowdhury, the prime minister’s adviser Mr. Mahdi Amin, and labor leader and MP Mr. Shimul Biswas attended the press conference. Yesterday the home minister also spoke at a discussion for the 21st anniversary of Jagannath University at its central auditorium. He said the government works to build a beautiful country by avoiding the politics of revenge. He said, “We want to move the country forward by avoiding the continuity of past governments.”

He said everyone must stay united on political, social, educational and cultural matters, and students and the public must come forward. He said it is urgent to grow technical knowledge and talent beyond traditional education to meet the challenges of the 21st century. He said universities must ensure innovative research, modern information technology and merit based education. He said, “Our main policy should be Bangladesh first, people first.” He said a country is not only land or a flag, because behind it lies the bond of the people’s rights and ownership.