Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan, Labour and Employment Adviser, has said that the recent violence in Ashulia was instigated by the spread of rumours.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting at the Secretariat on Tuesday, the adviser said that law enforcement has been working diligently to ensure safety at garment factories in the area. He emphasized that certain individuals have been inciting unrest from the beginning.
"We are saddened by yesterday's incident. We have announced a compensation of Tk 13 lakh, and arrangements have been made for the treatment of the injured." he said, referring to the death of a worker during the unrest.
According to Asif Mahmud, the chaos began based on a rumour regarding the law enforcers, which prompted workers to leave their factories.
"Workers attacked law enforcers' vehicles and assaulted officers. However, law enforcement displayed great patience. It was the infiltrators among the workers who fired the first shot, leading to the ensuing gunfire," he said.
The adviser stressed that the government does not wish to pit workers against law enforcement.
He noted that protests in Ashulia have been ongoing, with authorities playing a mediating role to facilitate discussions between workers and factory owners regarding wage payments. The army has also been involved in these efforts.
He added, "On September 24, a joint statement from workers and owners indicated that if wages were not paid, action would be taken against the owners. This issue was discussed today, and measures will be implemented against factories that have not paid wages for an extended period."
Regarding the current situation in Ashulia, he said, "We are trying to locate some factory owners, but they appear to be in hiding. They are heavily indebted to banks as well. Legal action will be taken soon," he said. —UNB
