Garment Workers Unrest: Urgent Action Needed to Protect Economy

THE intense protests and unrest that have recently emerged in the capital, Dhaka, and its surrounding industrial areas — driven by garment workers demanding higher wages — have given rise to deep concern.

In key industrial hubs such as Mirpur, Savar, Ashulia, and Gazipur, workers have taken to the streets to demand a minimum wage of 30,000 taka.

Behind this demand lies the harsh reality of the unbridled rise in the prices of essential commodities and the increasing cost of living.

For an ordinary worker, it has become nearly impossible to support a household, pay rent, and cover medical expenses on their current wages. In this context, the workers’ anger and frustration are understandable.

Recognizing the situation, the government has already formed a new six-member wage board — a step we consider to be highly positive and timely.

However, the violence, vandalism, and arson surrounding this workers’ movement are in no way acceptable. With streets blocked due to the protests, the daily lives of ordinary people are being severely disrupted.

According to media reports and information from law enforcement agencies, vested interest groups and members of banned political parties have infiltrated this movement, taking advantage of the naivety of ordinary workers.

Attacks on police vehicles, fire service units, and state infrastructure — such as the metro rail in Mirpur — indicate that a deep-seated political conspiracy lies behind these events.

The attempt to destabilize the country and destroy the primary engine of the economy by using workers as a shield is absolutely unacceptable.

It is essential to firmly suppress such anti-state conspiracies.

At the same time, to keep the wheels of the industry turning, the employers’ associations — BGMEA and BKMEA –must adopt a more sensitive and responsible approach.

We believe that law enforcement agencies must handle the unfolding situation with the utmost professionalism and patience.

Those truly responsible for the unrest — the actual perpetrators and the instigators — must be brought to justice based on CCTV footage and intelligence reports.

However, care must be taken to ensure that no innocent worker is subjected to undue harassment.

It is our expectation that workers will focus on negotiating their demands through their respective representatives on the Wage Board.

The other side-the employers, in particular-should also be mindful of ensuring the workers’ satisfaction, in the interest of the industry.