Wage board to be formed Sunday; no reason for workers to continue protests: Labour Minister

Bangla Press Desk: Minister of Labour and Employment Ariful Haque Chowdhury has announced that a Wage Board will be formed tomorrow, Sunday, to determine new wages for garment workers. Given this development, there is no reason for the workers to continue their protests.

He made these remarks during a press briefing held on Saturday (October 31) at the Labour Bhaban in Bijoynagar, Dhaka, following a meeting with representatives from the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA).

The Labour Minister stated that the decision to form a Wage Board was reached following a lengthy, five-hour discussion with the workers yesterday. Representatives from the BGMEA and BKMEA have also accepted the demand for the formation of a Wage Board; therefore, there should be no further grounds for dispute.

He added that the issue of paying outstanding wages to workers was also discussed with the BGMEA and BKMEA representatives. They have committed to consulting with factory owners to ensure that all unpaid wages are settled as quickly as possible.

He further emphasized that since steps have been taken to form a Wage Board and address the payment of outstanding wages, there is no justification for acts of vandalism or the closure of factories—actions that could severely damage the garment industry.

He noted that while workers in many factories are continuing their duties, individuals from outside are inciting unrest among the workforce. He urged the media to use video footage to clarify who the actual workers are and who is participating in the protests.

Ariful Haque Chowdhury mentioned that discussions were held regarding the payment of workers' wages by the 7th of each month. He warned that if factories remain closed, production and the supply of goods will be disrupted. If owners are unable to deliver products to buyers, they will not receive payment, which could, in turn, create difficulties in paying the workers' wages.

Urging the workers to return to their jobs, he stated that the government has taken proactive steps to meet their demands. He called upon factory owners, workers, and all other stakeholders to act responsibly to maintain stability within the garment industry. Present at the event were Abdur Rahman Tarafder, Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Employment; Mohammad Hatem, President of BKMEA; Fazle Shamim Ehsan, Executive President of BKMEA; and Md. Rezwan Selim, Vice President of BGMEA.