Garment Sector Anarchy: Top Islamic Scholars Say Islam Does Not Support Violence in the Name of Securing Demands

Leaders of the Pirojpur Ulama Parishad have expressed deep concern over the ongoing unrest in the garment sector, including vandalism and arson at industrial establishments and attacks on law enforcement personnel. They said ensuring fair wages for workers is the responsibility of the government and industrial owners. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) instructed employers to pay workers their rightful wages before their sweat dries. Rising prices of essential commodities, fuel and electricity, along with increasing house rents, medical and education costs, have made life increasingly difficult for workers.

With income failing to keep pace with expenditure, workers are struggling to maintain a normal life with their families. The Pirojpur Ulama Parishad considers the demand to set the minimum wage at Tk 30,000 reasonable. However, its leaders stressed that Islam does not support violence, anarchy, vandalism or arson in the name of securing demands. They warned that a deep conspiracy was under way to undermine the garment industry’s prospects and the country’s economy ahead of the winter season, urging all stakeholders, including owners and workers, to remain sincere and vigilant. They called for an impartial investigation into whether any banned autocratic organisation or vested interest groups were behind the vandalism and arson at industrial establishments.

They also urged authorities to thwart attempts to destroy the country’s leading export sector by exploiting workers’ grievances and ensure exemplary punishment for those involved in violence and sabotage. The leaders made these remarks at a prayer and thanksgiving gathering marking the official registration of the Pirojpur Ulama Parishad as the Pirojpur Ulama Society. The event was held on Wednesday at its Dhaka office adjacent to Jamia Imam Bukhari in Uttara. The gathering was chaired by Chairman Mufti Wahidul Alam and moderated by Secretary General Mufti Abdur Rahim Qasemi. Among those present were Maulana Riyadul Islam Munir, Mufti Jamal Uddin, Mufti Ilias Hossain, Mufti Mirajul Islam, Mufti Kamrul Islam Arefi, Maulana Atikur Rahman, Mufti Abdullah Firozi, Mufti Ilias Ahmad and Mufti Zakaria.