Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, Labor and Employment Advisor, has stated that the Awami League is fueling worker unrest in various places and that action against them will begin today.
On Wednesday, September 4th, the advisor made this statement after a meeting on worker unrest held at the Ministry of Home Affairs in the Secretariat.
The meeting was chaired by Home Affairs Advisor Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury and was attended by Legal Advisor Dr. Asif Nazrul, Fisheries and Livestock Advisor Farida Akhtar, and Industry Advisor Adilur Rahman.
The Labor Advisor said that they have had several meetings with both the owners and workers regarding the worker unrest. Their Industry Advisor has also been in talks with them. According to all the worker leaders they have spoken to, the current protests are perplexing to the labor leaders as no specific demands have emerged, nor have any clear points been presented.
He further stated, “Those who usually lead worker movements are not significantly involved. There is a noticeable presence of outsiders. In some places, there have been delays in salary payments by owners, leading to protests. There are specific factories where the owners have fled, causing some dissatisfaction, which we are addressing. The government has announced soft loans for these issues, and the scope of these loans will be expanded.”
The advisor added, “However, in these small and specific areas of unrest, there are factories clustered together, and it has been observed that outsiders have entered these areas. Groups under the name ‘Bokar Jubo Shongho,’ who have never engaged in labor area movements, have been involved in vandalism.”
“There is also local Awami League involvement in some places, and we have found connections with some local BNP leaders. We are in talks with BNP central leaders to restrain their members. We will also take a strong stance against influential local Awami League leaders still involved.”
The advisor mentioned that based on the information available to the Ministry of Home Affairs, arrests will be made. The police will take action to address the public inconvenience that has arisen.
When asked how long it will take for the situation to normalize, the advisor replied, “Action will begin today, and the police will take the necessary steps to clear the roads without causing harm. Those inciting the unrest will be arrested.”
Asif Mahmud expressed confidence that the situation will return to normal after today. He also mentioned that their worker leaders have assured them that they will work to calm the protesting workers. More meetings will be held to resolve the issues, with both owners and workers working together to find a solution.
