Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has alleged that vested political groups are exploiting garment workers to create unrest in the country’s apparel sector, saying the ongoing violence is not part of a normal labour movement.
Speaking to reporters after an inter-ministerial meeting on the draft Cyber Security (Amendment) Act 2026 at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Wednesday, he described the incidents as a planned attempt to destabilise the country through violence and sabotage.
The minister claimed that garment workers had no unresolved demands and that outsiders and non-workers were behind attacks, arson and vandalism carried out in the name of labour protests.
He further alleged that several garment factory owners, former lawmakers, ministers and state ministers who served under the previous Awami League government were involved in efforts to create instability in the industrial sector.
He also accused mafia groups and reactionary forces of attempting to implement a conspiracy originating from a neighbouring country to destabilise Bangladesh.
The government has directed law enforcement agencies to take strict action against those involved in such activities, he said.
New wage structure targeted for January 2027
Salahuddin said the workers’ main demand was the formation of a wage board every three years to revise the minimum wage.
He said the government had initiated the process well in advance, but the formation of the board was slightly delayed as workers’ representatives took time to submit their nominees.
The board was formed immediately after receiving the nominations, and its first meeting has already been held, he added.
Headed by an official holding the rank of senior district judge, the board includes representatives of both employers and workers.
Taking inflation, the economic situation and the cost of living into account, the board is working towards implementing a new wage structure from 1 January 2027, the minister said.
He added that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had instructed the government to prioritise workers’ living standards and overall welfare.
The government’s broader objectives are to increase exports, promote economic growth and create new employment opportunities, he said.
Minister urges workers to return to work
The home minister said the government had recently held discussions with garment factory owners and labour leaders, during which both sides acknowledged that destructive activities were not part of ordinary workers’ protests.
He claimed that workers were being used to advance political interests.
Salahuddin said the government was handling the situation with restraint and had instructed law enforcement agencies not to use excessive force under any circumstances.
Despite several law enforcement personnel sustaining serious injuries and receiving hospital treatment, they had shown restraint, he added.
However, he warned that mafia groups and criminal networks would not be spared.
Urging workers not to be misled by rumours or provocation, the minister called on them to return to their workplaces immediately.
He said resuming production would help protect workers’ livelihoods and safeguard the national economy.
Comments on journalist Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury
Responding to a question about journalist Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury’s detention, Salahuddin said that if he had been detained, the action would have been taken on the basis of specific allegations.
He said the matter would be examined in accordance with the law.
Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam and Foreign Affairs State Minister Shama Obaed Islam, among others, were present at the briefing.
