Garment unrest will not affect investment, says commerce minister
Commerce, Industries and Textiles and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir has said that a few days of unrest in the garment industry will have no impact on investment.
He said this on Saturday (7 November) at noon while responding to journalists' questions after an event organised by the district administration at Sylhet Shilpakala Academy on the occasion of National Revolution and Solidarity Day.
The minister said no unrest is desirable, because one unrest creates another. But investment is a long-term matter, so a few days of unrest will neither push investment two steps back nor move it forward.
Responding to journalists' questions about the impact of the recent labour unrest in the garment industry, he said it is natural for owners, foreign investors and buyers to feel temporary concern in such a situation. But the unrest of the past few days has already come under control.
He said a wage board has been formed. The board will analyse the situation and fix suitable wages for the workers.
On the reopening of border haats and the full utilisation of land ports, the minister said these activities depend on the mutual cooperation of the two countries. Alongside Bangladesh, the interest and cooperation of the other country concerned are also needed. Only through the joint initiative of both countries can these activities be resumed and expanded.
Earlier, speaking as chief guest at a discussion meeting organised on the occasion of National Revolution and Solidarity Day, the commerce minister called for following the ideals of honesty and patriotism of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman to revive the country's economy and ensure accountability at every level of the state.
He said 7 November is an important day of changing fortunes in the history of Bangladesh. Through this day, the desire to protect the country's independence, sovereignty and integrity was established anew. Ziaur Rahman awakened nationalism and self-confidence among the people. He proved that Bangladesh has the capacity to move forward despite limited resources and many adversities.
Referring to Ziaur Rahman's leadership, the minister said that under his leadership Bangladesh gained an important position and acceptance in the international arena within a short time. Relations with the Muslim world also became stronger. The example of honesty, freedom from nepotism and patriotism that he left behind remains a benchmark for people even today. People expect the same standard of honesty, responsibility and ideals from BNP leaders and workers.
The event was chaired by Sylhet Deputy Commissioner Abdullah Al Mamun. Among those present were Member of Parliament M A Malik, Advocate Emran Ahmed Chowdhury and Tahsina Rushdir Luna, Sylhet City Corporation Administrator Abdul Kaiyum Chowdhury, Divisional Commissioner Md Mashiur Rahman, Police Commissioner Sarwar Morshed Shamim and Range DIG Md Jahangir Hossain.
Also present were Sylhet WASA Chairman Miftah Siddiqui, Sylhet Development Authority Chairman Rezaul Hasan Kais Lodi, District Council Administrator Abul Kaher Chowdhury Shamim and Superintendent of Police Dr Chowdhury Jaber Sadek, along with other guests.
