Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition Shafiqur Rahman has demanded a fair investigation and swift action against those responsible for the killing of garment worker Toufiq in Sreepur, Gazipur.
In a video message released on Wednesday, he condemned the killing, which took place on Tuesday, and called for the perpetrators to be brought to justice without delay.
Shafiqur Rahman also expressed concern over ongoing protests by garment workers in different industrial areas, who have been demanding higher wages and other benefits.
He said many factories had been shut down amid the protests, while incidents of vandalism and arson had also been reported in several places.
Warning of the potential economic consequences, he said any major disruption to the country’s garment industry, its largest export sector, would affect the overall economy.
Referring to rising commodity prices and the difficulties faced by low-paid workers, the Jamaat chief said the wage structure should have been revised through discussions between factory owners and workers, taking their demands into consideration.
“If the industry survives, the country survives, but it is also true that the industry can survive only if workers survive,” he said.
He urged the government to take immediate steps to ensure workers receive their legitimate dues, warning that delays in decision-making would increase losses in the sector.
The Jamaat chief also cautioned the government and other stakeholders against allowing opportunists to exploit the situation and create instability.
Addressing workers, he said, “Protect your factories. We stand with you in support of your legitimate rights.”
He also urged factory owners to treat workers as members of their own families, saying this would make decision-making easier.
Calling on the government to act without further delay, Shafiqur Rahman prayed for the eternal peace of Toufiq’s soul and expressed deep condolences to his bereaved family.
