Evidence has emerged of ‘fugitive hostile forces’ infiltrating the labor movement to incite unrest: Mahdi Amin

BanglaPress Desk: Mahdi Amin, the Prime Minister’s Advisor on Labour and Employment, stated that evidence has been found of attempts to incite instability by infiltrating workers' protests. Those involved in violence, vandalism, and acts of sabotage will be brought to justice.

Warning against such actions, Mahdi Amin asserted that plans by banned political groups to create instability by exploiting workers' protests will not succeed.

He shared these remarks in a post on his verified Facebook page on Monday (November 2) afternoon.

Mahdi Amin, who also serves as a spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, alleged that certain elements are attempting to destabilize the industrial sector, even as initiatives are underway to re-evaluate wages for garment workers.

He further noted that evidence has emerged indicating that fugitive, hostile elements have infiltrated the workers' movement to stir up unrest. However, he did not provide specific details regarding this evidence in his Facebook post.

In his post, Mahdi Amin wrote, "We believe that through constructive and multifaceted discussions, a fair, logical, and balanced minimum wage for workers can be established. However, it is concerning that, despite positive efforts to determine wages in a timely manner, certain identified groups are actively attempting to destabilize the garment industry."

Stating that attempts to divert the workers' wage demands toward other agendas are unacceptable, the advisor emphasized that acts such as attacking or setting fire to factories, vandalizing police vehicles and outposts, or assaulting transport and infrastructure are contrary to the workers' own interests.

Mahdi Amin urged the workers not to fall for any confusion, rumors, or provocations. He assured them that the government remains committed to securing their logical and fair rights, taking into account the realities of the garment industry—a sector vital to people's livelihoods, employment, and the nation's overall economic prosperity.

He further cautioned that if factories are damaged or forced to close, it is the workers themselves who will suffer the most. He stated that this would lead to increased unemployment, a decline in export earnings, and damage to the national economy. Therefore, while the right of workers to pursue their legitimate demands must be ensured, no space can be provided for terrorism, vandalism, or the destruction of industrial infrastructure.

A spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office remarked that attempts by banned political organizations to incite instability by exploiting labor unrest will not succeed. Those involved in violence, vandalism, or acts of sabotage will be brought to justice.

The spokesperson further added that law enforcement agencies will continue to act responsibly to ensure the safety of workers and uphold their right to present their demands peacefully.

In a Facebook post, Mahadi Amin also highlighted the formation of a new wage board tasked with re-evaluating wages for garment workers.

He noted that, alongside ensuring fair and deserved wages for workers, it is essential to consider factors such as the industry's capacity, production costs, the realities of other economic sectors, and competitiveness in the international market. To this end, the Ministry of Labour and Employment has established a new wage board comprising representatives from the employers, the workers, and neutral parties.

Mahadi Amin emphasized that the garment industry is deeply interconnected with millions of workers, staff, supply chains, and the nation's overall economy. Consequently, the realities faced by all relevant stakeholders must be taken into account when determining wages.