Recent garment unrest will not affect investment: commerce minister

The recent days of labour unrest in the garment industry will not affect long-term investment, Commerce, Industries, and Textiles and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir has said. He said the unrest was now under control and the wage board would work to set appropriate wages for workers.

He made the remarks while answering reporters’ questions after a National Revolution and Solidarity Day programme at Sylhet Shilpakala Academy on Saturday (7 November) afternoon. The district administration organised the event.

The minister said unrest of any kind was undesirable and an unstable situation could create new crises. However, he said, investment was a long-term decision, and a few days of unrest would not change its course.

It was natural for labour unrest to cause temporary concern among factory owners, foreign investors and buyers, the minister said. A wage board had been formed and would review the overall situation to determine appropriate wages for workers, he added.

On reopening border haats and using land ports at full capacity, Khandaker Abdul Muktadir said these initiatives required the interest and cooperation of both countries concerned. Bangladesh could not achieve this alone; operations would have to resume and expand through joint efforts.

Earlier, speaking as chief guest at the discussion, he urged people to follow Ziaur Rahman’s ideals of honesty and patriotism. He also stressed the need to revive the country’s economy and ensure accountability at every level of the state.