DIG warns of tough action against industrial saboteurs

Dhaka Range Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Mostafizur Rahman has warned of strict action against anyone attempting to create sabotage or disorder in the country's industrial zones, saying no attempt to destabilise the garment industry or the state by exploiting workers' emotions will be tolerated.

He issued the warning on Sunday (November 8) after inspecting the security situation at several factories in Savar and Ashulia.

The DIG said no adverse developments had been reported in Savar, Ashulia, Gazipur or Narayanganj, adding that workers had entered factories and continued their regular duties.

"As the DIG of Dhaka Range, I can say that workers have entered factories and are continuing their work as usual," he said.

Referring to the ongoing wage-related discussions, Mostafizur said a wage board was formed on November 1 and had already held its first meeting, briefing the relevant stakeholders on the process.

He added that police had also held discussions with workers in the Savar-Ashulia industrial belt.

According to the DIG, workers had told them that the ongoing agitation did not represent their movement, as the government had been sympathetic to their demands.

Describing the government as pro-worker, he said it remained concerned about workers' wages and other benefits.

"If workers are continuing their jobs and do not identify with the movement, then it is essentially an attempt by a vested group to create instability," he said.

Mostafizur further said workers were a sensitive issue and that a group was exploiting their emotions to create an unstable situation.

He reiterated that attempts to use labour-related grievances as a pretext for sabotage and disruption in industrial areas would face strict action.