Azad warns against using BNP name for fundraising

BNP Assistant Organising Secretary for Dhaka Division and Narayanganj-2 MP Nazrul Islam Azad has warned of action against anyone soliciting money in the name of the BNP or its leaders under the pretext of celebrating party anniversaries or birthdays.

Urging those concerned to identify such individuals, he said neither the party nor its leadership had authorised any fundraising for such occasions. He also called for a realistic assessment of the garment industry's capacity before making public statements on workers' wages, warning that provocative remarks could trigger unnecessary confrontation between employers and employees.

Azad made the remarks at a meeting of the Narayanganj District Law and Order Committee at the Deputy Commissioner's office on Sunday.

Referring to allegations raised by Model Group's Masuduzzaman Masud, the MP said approaching the Prime Minister or submitting proposals through elected representatives to seek specific services was legitimate. However, collecting money in the name of anniversaries or birthday celebrations had no organisational approval.

“If such incidents have occurred, please clearly identify those who are using our names to solicit money. We will take action. Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, we will ensure that appropriate measures are taken,” he said.

On garment workers' wages, Azad said an employer's ability to offer higher salaries depended largely on purchase orders, buyer profiles, production costs and profit margins.

“Paying salaries of Tk30,000, Tk40,000 or even Tk60,000 in the garment sector is not an issue, provided there are buyers and work to support such pay. If you work with high-end buyers and your CM (Cost of Making) and FOB (Free on Board) values are sufficiently high, then paying a salary of Tk1 lakh would not be a problem,” he remarked.

However, he noted that most Bangladeshi garment manufacturers worked with buyers offering relatively low production prices and profit margins. Although factories secured orders from international retailers, including Walmart, Lidl and MNH, they did not necessarily receive orders at the highest price points.

He cautioned against making wage-related demands without considering these commercial realities, saying such statements could create misunderstandings between workers and employers.

“If you can substantiate the claim you have made, then start by applying it to your own establishment. I will then endeavour to bring other employers on board as well. Set an example by taking the first step; we shall follow your lead, Insha'Allah,” he challenged.

Calling for restraint in public discourse, Azad urged business leaders and other stakeholders not to exploit workers' emotions or make provocative remarks that could aggravate industrial relations.

“We must refrain from making statements intended to harass others or incite reactions by exploiting emotions. Together, we should-and will-pursue what is beneficial and rational for the nation, for Narayanganj, and for all employers and workers alike, Insha'Allah,” he added.

He stressed that sustainable solutions required dialogue, a realistic assessment of prevailing circumstances and due consideration of the legitimate interests of both employers and workers.
Narayanganj Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Raihan Kabir presided over the meeting.

Narayanganj-5 MP Advocate Abul Kalam, Narayanganj-4 MP Advocate Abdullah Al Amin, reserved-seat woman MP Momtaz Begum, Narayanganj Development Authority Chairman Mashukul Islam Rajib and District Superintendent of Police Habibur Rahman, among others, attended the meeting.