Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has warned that legal action will be taken against anyone who engages in activities aimed at shutting down garment factories or disrupting production. He also stated that measures would be taken to quickly reopen factories that have already been closed.
The Home Minister made these remarks while speaking to journalists at the Secretariat. He stated that the situation emerging in some areas is often unrelated to the demands of garment workers. He alleged that certain groups are instigating the shutdown of production to fulfill nefarious political objectives. Such activities will be suppressed with a firm hand.
The Home Minister further added that there is apprehension that some miscreants might attempt to carry out attacks. Law enforcement agencies are vigilant to thwart such illicit activities. Legal action will be taken against those attempting to close down garment factories or instigating disruption of production.
Regarding the workers’ demands, he said that a wage board has been formed considering all their demands. Discussions have been held with almost all labor leaders and owners. He stated that both parties are satisfied with the discussions.
Salahuddin Ahmed mentioned that the activities of the wage board have commenced. There, the issue of wage determination through bargaining between workers and owners will come forward. An appeal has been made to determine a minimum wage that aids in improving the workers’ living standards. Detailed discussions on this matter will take place within the wage board.
He further added that the process of discussing workers’ demands is ongoing. In this situation, there is no scope for creating new unrest.
The Home Minister alleged that certain factions, associated with “fallen fascism,” are attempting to create instability in the garment sector to fulfill their petty political interests. He warned that such subversive activities would be suppressed with a firm hand.