No more labour movement, only political ‘Conspiracy’: Home Minister

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed views the ongoing violence in the garment industry not as a normal labour movement but as a “planned political conspiracy to destabilise the country”.

He said a vested political interest group was attempting to create unrest in the industrial sector by using ordinary workers. Under the guise of labour movements, outsiders and individuals who are not workers are carrying out attacks, arson and acts of vandalism.

The home minister made these remarks while briefing journalists on Wednesday afternoon after an inter-ministerial meeting at the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications at the Bangladesh Secretariat. The meeting reviewed the draft Cyber Security (Amendment) Act, 2026.

Salahuddin Ahmed said garment workers had no unresolved demands. Despite this, a particular group was conspiring to create instability in the industrial sector. He claimed that investigations had uncovered evidence of direct political agendas and involvement by several garment factory owners, former lawmakers, ministers and state ministers who held positions during the previous Awami League government.

“Mafia groups and reactionary forces are attempting to destabilise the country by implementing conspiracies orchestrated from a neighbouring country. The government has issued instructions to crack down firmly on such anti-state violence,” he added.

‘Slight Delay in Forming Wage Board’

Regarding the initiative to determine workers’ wages, the home minister said one of the key demands of garment workers was the formation of a wage board every three years to set a new minimum wage.

He said the government had taken the initiative well in advance. However, the formation of the board was slightly delayed because it took some time to nominate the workers’ representative. The board was constituted immediately after receiving the names, and its first meeting was also successfully held.

“The board, headed by an official holding the rank of Senior District Judge, includes representatives of both factory owners and workers. Taking inflation, the economic situation and the cost of living into consideration, the board is working towards implementing a new wage structure from January 1, 2027,” he added.

The home minister said the prime minister was pro-worker and supportive of industry. He had given clear instructions to consider these issues by prioritising improvements in workers’ living standards and their overall welfare.

The government’s objective is to increase exports, achieve economic prosperity and create new employment opportunities.

Talks Between Factory Owners and Workers Productive

Salahuddin Ahmed said the government had recently held lengthy and productive discussions with garment factory owners. Detailed discussions had also taken place with labour leaders. Both sides agreed that the destructive activities were not part of ordinary workers’ movements; rather, workers were being used as a shield to serve political interests.The minister also highlighted the role of law enforcement agencies in controlling the situation.“The government is handling the situation with patience. Law enforcement agencies have been clearly instructed not to use excessive force. Although many members of the forces have sustained serious injuries and are receiving treatment in hospitals, they have shown restraint and refrained from using force against workers,” he said.However, the home minister warned that mafia groups and criminal networks would not be given any leniency under these circumstances.He urged ordinary workers not to pay heed to rumours or provocations and to return to their respective workplaces as soon as possible.“If workers return to their jobs, industrial production will remain operational. This will help protect employment and the national economy,” he said.Responding to a question about the detention of journalist Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury, the home minister said, “If he has been detained, the necessary legal steps are being taken because there must be specific allegations against him. The matter will be examined in accordance with the law.”Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam and other officials concerned  were also present during the press briefing.