Banned AL activists behind labour unrest: Police

The industrial areas of Mirpur in the capital, Ashulia in Savar and Gazipur remained tense throughout Sunday as garment workers continued their protests demanding a minimum monthly wage of Tk 30,000 and other benefits.

Clashes between workers and police, vandalism and arson were reported at several locations, prompting more than 300 factories to suspend operations. Police are investigating whether anti-government or anti-state groups are exploiting workers’ grievances to incite unrest.

According to local sources, intelligence information and law enforcement officials, various anti-government groups, particularly banned Awami League activists, may be conspiring to destabilise the situation following former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s announcement that she would return to the country in December.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Joint Commissioner Mohidul Islam told journalists in Mirpur on Sunday afternoon that a wage board had been formed to determine workers’ wages and the issue would be addressed through the board.

“We tried to explain the matter to the workers, but they were still refusing to leave the roads,” he said.

“The police suspected that some anti-government or anti-state groups may have joined the protesters and are attempting to deteriorate the law and order situation,” he added.

Meanwhile, police have arrested nine leaders and activists of the banned Awami League and its affiliated organisations over allegations of taking part in the garment workers’ protests, instigating unrest and engaging in vandalism and arson.

Police said they arrested the nine during raids in different areas of Kaliakair upazila in Gazipur early Sunday.

Over the past few days, garment workers have been staging demonstrations in different parts of Gazipur over various demands. Amid the protests, allegations emerged that activists of the banned Chhatra League, Sramik League and Swechchhasebak League had joined the workers and were involved in vandalism, arson and other violent activities.

Acting on secret information, Kaliakair police conducted raids in different areas from Saturday midnight until early Sunday and arrested the nine.

Kaliakair Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Shahidul Islam said the arrests were made following allegations of involvement in various acts of violence, not simply for participating in the workers’ protests.

On the other hand, Mohammad Rashed Khan, political assistant to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, alleged in a Facebook post on Sunday afternoon that the protests were being politically instigated.

“Jagannath University Chhatra League Organising Secretary Sajbul Islam is leading the Gazipur workers’ movement, while Jamaat-e-Islami and the NCP are providing opportunities to destabilise the state by instigating the protests. Their labour organisations are also involved in the movement. Anti-state forces are attempting to organise numerous such movements targeting December,” he wrote.