MP Azad warns action over money demands in BNP’s name

BNP leader and Narayanganj-2 MP Nazrul Islam Azad has called for the disclosure of names of individuals allegedly demanding money in the name of the party or its leaders for anniversary and birthday celebrations, warning that action would be taken against them.

He made the remarks at a meeting at the Narayanganj Deputy Commissioner's office on Sunday (November 8), where he said neither the BNP government nor its senior leaders had authorised such collections.

Referring to concerns raised by Model Group's Masuduzzaman Masud, Azad said anyone using the names of the BNP or its leaders to seek money should be identified. He urged those with specific information to disclose the names so that action could be taken.

“If anyone is using our names to demand money, disclose their identities clearly. We will take action,” he said.

The lawmaker also spoke about garment workers' wages, saying factories' capacity to pay higher salaries depended on the prices offered by buyers, work orders and production costs.

He said factories could pay Tk 30,000, Tk 40,000 or Tk 60,000 if they secured orders at corresponding prices. With high-value buyers and favourable cost of making (CM) and free on board (FOB) rates, he added, a factory could even afford to pay Tk 100,000.

However, he noted that most Bangladeshi garment manufacturers worked with buyers whose orders offered limited prices and profit margins. He cited Walmart, Lidl and M&H among the buyers served by local factories, saying not all orders came at premium prices.

Azad urged both factory owners and workers to avoid provocative statements and resolve wage-related issues through dialogue. He said any proposal should take account of the industry's actual capacity and the interests of both sides.

The meeting was chaired by Narayanganj Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Raihan Kabir. Narayanganj-5 MP Advocate Abul Kalam, Narayanganj-4 MP Advocate Abdullah Al Amin, reserved-seat MP Momtaz Begum, Narayanganj Development Authority Chairman Mashukul Islam Rajib and Superintendent of Police Habibur Rahman, among others, attended.

-AH