DB claims plot to destabilise garment sector behind worker unrest

The Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police has claimed that a group of influential individuals, including former Awami League leaders and two former additional inspectors general of police, allegedly financed and instigated violence during recent garment workers' protests in the capital.

According to the DB, the unrest was part of an organised plan to destabilise the country's garment sector by using workers' legitimate demands as a cover for violence and sabotage.

The alleged plan came to light during the investigation into an attack on DMP constable Salman at Kalshi-Purabi intersection in Mirpur on November 3, in which 19 people have been arrested, according to the report.

DB officials said CCTV footage and audio messages recovered from 16 WhatsApp and Messenger groups used by the accused had provided evidence of the alleged conspiracy.

Additional Commissioner of DMP and DB Chief Shafiqul Islam said former BGMEA president and Awami League leader SM Mannan Kochi, former MP Ilias Mollah, his nephew Alif Mollah, two former additional IGPs and several other individuals allegedly provided financial support and instigated the violence.

He said the group had planned to use workers as a shield to create instability across the garment industry. Investigators were continuing operations to bring the alleged planners and financiers to justice based on information provided by the arrested individuals.

According to investigators, police seized the suspects' mobile phones and found at least 16 WhatsApp and Messenger groups allegedly used to coordinate activities. Some of the groups reportedly operated under names including 'Sheikh Hasina Reserve Force', 'Dhaka District Guerrilla 71' and 'Sheikh Hasina's Return'.

Investigators said deleted messages, audio recordings and photographs had also been recovered through forensic analysis.

The investigation further found that photographs and videos of participation in demonstrations and vehicle arson were allegedly sent to group members, after which Alif Mollah and Jewel Mollah reportedly arranged payments.

Investigators also alleged that activists were brought to Dhaka from different districts, including Panchagarh, Cox's Bazar and Noakhali, to participate in the unrest.

They said false claims about the discovery of the bodies of two garment workers in Gazipur were circulated on social media, allegedly to provoke workers and encourage them to take to the streets.

Regarding the November 3 attack on constable Salman at Kalshi intersection, DB officials said they had analysed CCTV footage from four to five different angles and arrested eight people allegedly directly involved in the assault.

The eight accused were identified as Ashik Julhas, Arafat Islam Jisan, Md Rashid Ali, Sohel Rana, Milon Babu, Anarul Islam, Md Rana and Mansur Ali.

Earlier, 11 activists of the Awami League and its affiliated organisations, arrested on November 1, were sent to jail after completing three days of remand.

A DB official said investigators had also found direct communication between some of the arrested individuals and Alif Mollah and Jewel Mollah, along with evidence of an alleged financial network through WhatsApp.

Investigators further said voice messages recovered during the probe contained instructions to gather at specific locations and take advantage of police movements.

In one recording, an arrested individual named Nahid was allegedly heard directing others to gather in front of Ilias Mollah's market in the capital's Ward 12, saying police had moved away and the group should seize the opportunity.

The allegations are part of the ongoing DB investigation, with further operations underway to identify those allegedly involved in planning and financing the violence.

sks