Business rivalry behind unrest in garment factories: Asif Mahmud

Labour and Employment Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan has said the unrest in garment factories in Ashulia and Gazipur industrial areas began due to conflicts over the control of scrap fabric (jhut) businesses.

"After discussions with labour leaders and factory owners, we have confirmed that most of the troublemakers are outsiders. Among them are local leaders of the Awami League as well as the BNP. Some BNP leaders are involved in these activities to gain control over the scrap fabric business," he said in response to a question from journalists following a meeting at the Secretariat today (4 September).

Asif said, "We have spoken to the BNP central leaders and requested them to restrain their local activists from such activities. Action will also be taken against Awami League members involved in this."

He said, "Unrest has also erupted in some factories due to delays in wage payments. In some cases, factory owners have fled, causing further disturbances.

"The government has taken steps to ensure timely payment of wages. A fund has been established to address such issues, and necessary measures will be taken from that fund."

In response to a question about the police force, Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury who was present at the time, said, "I do not have any immediate solution to improving the image of the police overnight, it will take time."

Jahangir also said strict legal action will be taken against those causing unrest, and special emphasis is being placed on recovering illegal weapons.