Govt vows fair wages, warns against garment sector sabotage: Mahdi Amin

The government is committed to ensuring fair wages, dignity and workers' rights in the garment sector, Prime Minister's Adviser and Prime Minister's Office spokesperson Mahdi Amin has said.

He warned that attempts to exploit wage protests to destabilise the industry through violence, vandalism and sabotage would not be tolerated.

In a Facebook post on Monday, Amin said the government wanted to establish a fair and balanced minimum wage through constructive discussions involving workers, factory owners and neutral representatives, while taking into account production costs, the industry's capacity and competitiveness in international markets.

He said the Ministry of Labour and Employment had already formed a new wage board to review garment workers' wages, describing the initiative as part of the government's commitment to protecting workers' interests.

Amin said the government had also ensured timely payment of workers' salaries and bonuses during the last Eid-ul-Fitr and the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha celebrations since taking office, allowing them to observe the festivals in a festive atmosphere.

Recalling the history of the garment industry, he said its journey in Bangladesh began under the leadership of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, opening up new opportunities for women's empowerment and employment. He added that the government of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia had also played an important role in developing the sector and protecting workers' rights and welfare.

Amin stressed that the garment industry supports millions of workers, employees and supply-chain participants and plays a vital role in the country's overall economy. He said workers must receive their rightful wages, but decisions must also consider the industry's production costs, operational capacity and ability to compete in international markets.

He expressed concern that, despite the initiative to form the wage board, certain groups were attempting to destabilise the garment industry.

Amin alleged that supporters of the ousted authoritarian regime were trying to divert workers' wage demands through provocation and sabotage. He said evidence had emerged of attempts by fugitive political forces to create unrest by infiltrating workers' movements and exploiting their grievances.

He condemned attacks on factories, arson, vandalism of police vehicles and booths, and assaults on vehicles and other establishments, saying such activities ran counter to workers' interests.

"Workers will suffer the most if factories are damaged or forced to close," he said, warning that such disruptions could increase unemployment, reduce export earnings and harm the national economy.

He said workers must have the right to raise legitimate demands, but violence, vandalism and destruction of industrial establishments would not be allowed.

Amin warned that attempts by the banned political party to create instability by using workers' movements would not succeed. Those involved in violence, vandalism and sabotage would be brought to justice, he said.

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At the same time, he said law enforcement agencies would continue to play a responsible role in ensuring workers' safety and protecting their right to raise demands peacefully.

He urged garment workers not to be misled by rumours, misinformation or provocation, assuring them that the government would stand by them in securing legitimate rights and demands.

The government believes the industry's continued growth is closely linked to people's livelihoods, employment opportunities and the country's overall economic prosperity, he added.

The remarks came amid ongoing garment workers' protests demanding higher wages in several industrial areas. The government formed a six-member minimum wage board on November 1 to review workers' pay following demonstrations and clashes in Dhaka and Gazipur.