Orders issued to firmly curb industrial unrest: Home minister

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said orders had been issued to firmly suppress ongoing violence and unrest in industrial areas. He alleged that some people were exploiting workers’ protests to create instability for political ends.

He made the remarks to reporters at the Secretariat on Wednesday (4 November) afternoon after a meeting to review the draft Cyber Protection Amendment Act.

The home minister claimed that some people who were not workers were attacking law enforcement vehicles, committing arson and engaging in violence in the name of protests. He also alleged that several factory owners who had previously served as Awami League MPs, ministers and state ministers were involved in these activities.

Salahuddin Ahmed expressed concern that some people might be planning unrest from a neighbouring country. He said orders had been issued to take tough measures to prevent such activities.

The home minister said, however, that the government was ready to discuss workers’ legitimate demands. He said they could raise their demands through the relevant ministries and agencies. The government had also held talks with owners and labour leaders.

On the formation of a minimum wage board, he said the government had taken the initiative earlier. He claimed, however, that delays in receiving the name of the workers’ representative had held up its formation somewhat.

Salahuddin Ahmed said the wage board had begun work and would hear from all concerned, including workers and owners. It would set a reasonable minimum wage after considering previous wage increases, living costs, economic conditions and factory owners’ financial capacity.

The home minister said the board would set the deadline for announcing the new wage. He added, however, that the government had called for an announcement within the stipulated time so the new wage could take effect in January.