MP Azad warns of ‘conspiracy’ as RMG workers clash in N’ganj

BNP lawmaker Nazrul Islam Azad has warned that no conspiracy would succeed, accusing an influential group of trying to hijack the garment workers' movement for a minimum monthly wage of Tk30,000 for its own interests.

His remarks came as garment workers clashed with police for the third consecutive day on Wednesday in Narayanganj, attempting to block the Dhaka-Narayanganj Link Road over their wage demand.

Visiting Shibu Market, Katharpul and different points along the link road, Azad said the government supported workers' legitimate demands and wanted to ensure they received fair wages.

"We also want workers to get their rightful rights. The Prime Minister is also on the side of the workers. As a garment factory owner, I also want my workers to receive fair wages," he told journalists.

"An influential group is trying to divert the workers' movement in the Shibu Market area. Those conspiring from behind should be careful. No conspiracy will succeed," he warned, adding that several alleged conspirators had already been arrested.

Azad, also a BNP central leader and lawmaker from Narayanganj-2, urged workers to remain patient and trust the government, saying a wage board had already been formed to review their demands.

He visited the areas in the afternoon alongside Deputy Commissioner Md Raihan Kabir, Superintendent of Police Md Habibur Rahman, Narayanganj City Corporation Administrator Advocate Sakhawat Hossain and other officials and local BNP leaders.
Fresh clashes in Katharpul

The latest confrontation took place in Katharpul area of Fatullah in Narayanganj Sadar upazila between 10:00am and 11:30am.
Workers from several garment factories gathered in the area and attempted to march towards the Dhaka-Narayanganj Link Road to block traffic. Police stopped them, triggering clashes and chases between the two sides.

Police fired tear gas, rubber bullets and sound grenades to disperse the demonstrators after they allegedly hurled brickbats at law enforcers. Some agitated workers also attempted to vandalise factories in the area in the morning.

The workers, however, claimed they were holding a peaceful demonstration and accused police of using tear gas to disrupt their protest.

Narayanganj SP Habibur Rahman said police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and members of the SRB were deployed in the area from the morning to prevent further disorder.

He said police had initially urged the workers to wait for the wage board's decision but were forced to disperse them when they attempted to block the link road, causing concerns over public safety.