Desk Report:
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmad has stated that those who act against the interests of workers under the pretext of labor movements—and who attempt to destabilize the country—will be dealt with with a firm hand.
The Minister made these remarks during a press briefing held on Monday morning (November 2, 2026) at the conference room of the Ministry of Home Affairs in the Bangladesh Secretariat, following a meeting with leaders of the garment industry (BGMEA and BKMEA) aimed at resolving the ongoing crisis in the sector.
The Minister emphasized that those engaged in attempts to incite instability and violence in the country under the guise of labor movements will not be spared and will be suppressed with a firm hand. He added that law enforcement agencies have been instructed to deal with any form of anarchy strictly. The government remains firmly committed to maintaining stability within the nation’s garment sector.
The Home Minister noted that, in accordance with the demands of labor organizations and government decisions, an initiative has been taken to form a minimum wage board for workers every three years. He explained that following the receipt of the names of labor representatives the night before last (October 31), the Ministry of Labour issued a notification yesterday (November 1) to establish the wage board. The board’s first meeting will be held shortly, and the minimum wage for workers will be finalized and announced within the stipulated timeframe.
The Minister further stated that, over the past few days, certain factions—backed by patrons of the ousted autocratic regime—have been exploiting innocent workers to incite instability by setting fires on roads and highways and creating blockades. In reality, genuine workers and their union leaders have no desire to see their own livelihoods destroyed or to witness an unstable environment. Those identified as instigators behind this violence and conspiracy, along with certain industrial owners, have already been brought under the purview of the law; strict legal action is being taken against them, supported by audio and video evidence.
Salahuddin Ahmad affirmed that the current government is fully committed to being industry-friendly, investment-friendly, and worker-friendly. The government will take all necessary measures to safeguard the welfare and livelihoods of workers, while simultaneously fostering the growth of the nation’s exports and its overall economic prosperity. It was stated that the government is working to ensure that no industrial facility remains closed—even for a moment—and that no worker is left unemployed. Furthermore, it was noted that following a productive discussion with the employers earlier today, a meeting with representatives of all labor organizations will be held this afternoon; subsequent decisions will be made based on their input.
The meeting was attended by Ariful Haque Chowdhury, Minister for Labour and Employment as well as Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment; Mahdi Amin, Prime Minister’s Advisor for these same ministries; prominent labor leader and Member of Parliament Shimul Biswas; Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani; Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration Md. Kamruzzaman Chowdhury; Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Manzur Morshed Chowdhury; Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Employment Md. Abdur Rahman Tarafder; BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan; BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem; and BKMEA Executive President Fazle Shamim Ehsan. Also present were senior police officials and top representatives from intelligence agencies.
