Salahuddin calls garment industry unrest ‘political conspiracy’

"At present, there are no unresolved demands from garment workers, but certain quarters are conspiring to create instability in the industrial sector," he said.

The minister made the remarks while talking to reporters after an inter-ministerial meeting at the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications to review the draft Cyber Security (Amendment) Act, 2026.

He claimed that genuine workers were not involved in the violence and that outsiders were using the labour protest as a cover to carry out attacks, arson and vandalism.

Salahuddin alleged that some garment factory owners, former lawmakers and former ministers and state ministers of the previous Awami League government were involved in the unrest for political reasons.

He also alleged that criminal groups and reactionary forces were working to destabilise the country as part of a conspiracy orchestrated from a neighbouring country.

The government instructed law enforcement agencies to deal firmly with such acts of violence, the minister said.

Explaining the workers' demands, he said their main demand was the formation of a Wage Board to review the minimum wage every three years.

Salahuddin said the government had started the process of forming the board well in advance, although there was a slight delay as workers took time to submit the names of their representatives.

The board was formed immediately after receiving the names and had already held its first meeting, he said.

The minister said the board was working to introduce a new wage structure effective from January 1, 2027, taking inflation, the economic situation and the cost of living into consideration.

He said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is committed to improving workers' living standards and ensuring their welfare. “He gave clear instructions to prioritise workers' well-being, while the government's main goals are to increase exports, strengthen the economy and create more jobs.”

Salahuddin said the government had recently held a lengthy meeting with garment factory owners and also discussed the situation with labour leaders.

Both sides agreed that the destructive activities were not part of a genuine movement by ordinary workers, but that workers were being used to serve the political interests of certain groups, he added.

Regarding the law enforcement response, the minister said the government was handling the situation with patience and instructed police and other agencies not to use excessive force under any circumstances.

Despite several law enforcement personnel sustaining serious injuries and requiring hospital treatment, they showed restraint and avoided using force against workers, he said.

Salahuddin, however, warned that criminal groups and those involved in organised violence would not be spared.

He also urged workers not to heed rumours or provocations and to return to their workplaces immediately. “Resuming work will help maintain industrial production and protect workers' livelihoods as well as the national economy,” he said.

Asked about the detention of journalist Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury, the minister said if he was detained, it was due to specific allegations against him.

Necessary legal steps were being taken, and the matter would be dealt with in accordance with the law, he added.

Meanwhile, the newly reconstituted Minimum Wage Board for the ready-made garment (RMG) sector on Wednesday announced that the new wage structure would come into effect in December and workers would receive their increased wages starting in January 2027, reports UNB.