Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's adviser Mahdi Amin on Monday warned garment workers against rumors and provocations, alleging that elements linked to the ousted government were attempting to exploit wage protests to create instability.
“Our appeal to ordinary workers, our brothers and sisters, is not to fall for any kind of misinformation, rumors or incitement,” Mahdi, also the spokesperson of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), wrote in a post on his verified Facebook account.
He said workers had the right to demand fair wages but warned against attempts to turn their protests into violence.
“Attempts by associates of the ousted autocrat to divert workers' demands for wages through provocation and sabotage are unacceptable,” he wrote.
Mahdi alleged that evidence had emerged of fugitive political elements infiltrating workers' protests to create unrest. He did not specify the evidence in his post.
He warned against attacks on factories, arson, vandalism of police vehicles and police boxes, and destruction of public and private property.
“Those involved in violence, vandalism and sabotage will be brought to justice,” he said.
Law enforcement agencies would also ensure workers could peacefully press their demands without intimidation, he added.
The remarks come as the government moves to revise minimum wages in the garment sector.
Mahdi said the Ministry of Labour and Employment had formed a new wage board comprising representatives of factory owners, workers and independent members.
The board would consider workers' demands alongside production costs, industrial capacity and competition in international markets.
“We believe that constructive and comprehensive discussions will lead to a fair, reasonable and balanced minimum wage for workers,” he said.
However, he alleged that certain groups were trying to destabilise the industry despite the government's initiative to revise wages.
Mahdi said the government remained committed to protecting workers' rights and ensuring fair compensation.
He pointed to the timely payment of wages and festival bonuses during Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Azha as evidence of that commitment.
The adviser also invoked the BNP's political legacy, crediting former President Ziaur Rahman with launching Bangladesh's garment industry and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia with supporting its expansion and workers' welfare.
He said the Tarique Rahman government would continue that approach.
Mahdi warned that damage to factories or prolonged shutdowns would ultimately hurt workers the most.
Factory closures would increase unemployment, reduce export earnings and weaken the broader economy, he said.
“Workers' rights to pursue legitimate demands must be protected,” he said, adding that violence, vandalism and destruction of industrial facilities could not be allowed.
--