11 held in Mirpur for alleged sabotage amid garment workers' movement; home minister says real workers not involved in violence

The Detective Police (DB) have detained 11 leaders and activists of the banned Awami League, Jubo League and banned Chhatra League on allegations of mixing with garment workers protesting in Mirpur in the capital demanding a Tk 30,000 wage, and attempting arson and sabotage.

DB Mirpur Division Deputy Commissioner (DC) Mohammad Rakib Khan confirmed the detentions on Sunday (November 1).

On the same day, in a briefing after a meeting with the Prime Minister at the Secretariat, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed claimed the ongoing movement and unrest of workers in the garment sector was being instigated from across the border. He said, 'A conspiracy is under way using innocent garment workers to disrupt the country's export trade and production. The government will deal with such activities with a firm hand.'

DC Rakib Khan said garment workers have been protesting for several days demanding a wage increase. But they turned violent from Saturday. On Sunday too, there were clashes with police and an incident of arson on a police vehicle.

He said banned Awami League and its front organisation leaders and activists were mainly attempting sabotage by using ordinary workers. Eleven people were detained from within the workers' movement.

Rakib Khan also said the detained persons were found in drives in Mirpur-10 and surrounding areas. They are grassroots-level leaders from various districts including Barishal, Patuakhali, Cox's Bazar and Gaibandha.

He said Alif Molla, nephew of Mirpur's fugitive Member of Parliament Elias Molla, was working as coordinator of this sabotage. He brought leaders and activists to Dhaka from various districts outside Dhaka. About a hundred leaders and activists were present there. Drives to identify and detain them are continuing.

The Home Minister said, 'We have noticed many masked people entering different stages of the movement to fulfil their own vile interests. The information we have is being analysed. Many are instigating from across the border using innocent garment workers, so that unrest can be created here, our export trade can be disrupted, and garment production can be disrupted.'

Salahuddin Ahmed said, 'Those involved in violent activities have already been brought under the law. Police and other law enforcement agencies will take a strict position against any such activity.'

He claimed no real worker or genuine workers' organisation was involved in this violent movement. He said, 'We believe no worker brother is involved in these violent movements. They will hold discussions. Their representatives' names have been given, a wage board has been formed. Their minimum wage will be determined through that wage board.'

The Home Minister also said, 'We want to give this message to everyone: we want peace, we want discipline, we want the country's development and progress. We all acknowledge the contribution of martyred President Ziaur Rahman, who can be called the father of this industry in Bangladesh, and we want the garment industry to develop further and enrich our export sector.'