Govt assures security, urges RMG workers to resume work on Thursday

Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury on Wednedsday urged readymade garment (RMG) workers to return to their workplaces on Thursday and factory owners to reopen closed units, assuring government support and security to restore normal operations in the country's garment sector.

"Workers should return to their workplaces from tomorrow and factory owners should reopen their factories. The government will provide all necessary support and ensure security," he said.

The minister made the call while addressing a press conference following a high-level tripartite meeting among government representatives, garment factory owners and workers' leaders at the conference room of the Ministry of Labour and Employment in the capital on Wednesday.

Prime Minister's Adviser and PMO Spokesperson Mahdi Amin also spoke at the press conference.

Parliamentary Standing Committee Chairman on the Ministry of Labour and Employment Advocate Md Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, representatives of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) and various trade union organisations were also present.

Highlighting the government's efforts to address workers' grievances, the minister said the Minimum Wage Board was constituted within a remarkably short time following discussions with workers' and owners' representatives.

He said the board was formed before noon on Sunday, and its gazette notification was published the same evening.

The board held its first meeting within three days and is scheduled to meet again within four days, he added.

He said both factory owners and workers' representatives had agreed in principle to accept the recommendations of the Wage Board.

The minister described the speedy formation and functioning of the board as a significant step towards resolving workers' wage-related demands through institutional mechanisms rather than street protests.

On the death of a garment worker during the recent unrest, Ariful expressed deep condolences and said local administration officials, including the Deputy Commissioner and Upazila Nirbahi Officer, visited the bereaved family following instructions from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

He said an interim financial assistance of Tk1 lakh had already been handed over to the family on behalf of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

The minister assured that those responsible for the killing would be brought to justice through a proper investigation, using video footage and other available evidence.

He also pledged continued support for the victim's family.

In another major announcement, he said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had approved a proposal for establishing a 100-bed specialised hospital for garment workers in Tongi, Gazipur.

The minister said the official process for setting up the hospital would begin within a week, describing the initiative as an important step towards improving healthcare facilities for workers in the country's largest export-oriented industrial sector.

Regarding the recent arrests, the minister said innocent workers detained without specific allegations would be released following a review of their cases.

However, he warned that those involved in violence, vandalism and other criminal activities would face legal action based on available evidence, including video footage.

He also cautioned against attempts by vested quarters to create instability in the industrial sector and undermine Bangladesh's garment industry, saying all concerned must remain alert to any move that could damage the country's export interests. 

Calling for a constructive relationship between workers and employers, the minister urged garment workers to raise their legitimate demands through trade union leaders and appropriate institutional channels instead of resorting to street demonstrations and road blockades.

He said maintaining industrial peace was essential for sustaining production, protecting employment and expanding the country's export earnings.

"If factories survive and production increases, national income will grow, creating opportunities for higher wages and better welfare for workers," he said.

The minister urged workers, factory owners and trade union leaders to work together to overcome misunderstandings and restore a peaceful working environment across the garment industry.