Since August 9, 2024, the Industrial Security Task Force, led by the Bangladesh Army, has made notable strides in maintaining law and order and promoting a stable, production-focused environment in the country’s industrial areas.
The task force has conducted a total of 136 rescue operations in key industrial zones, including 97 in Savar-Ashulia, 33 in Gazipur, and 6 in Narayanganj. These operations have successfully safeguarded factory owners, workers, and management board members from potential harm by miscreants, according to a press release from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Directorate of the Bangladesh Armed Forces on Thursday.
Additionally, the task force has apprehended 335 individuals involved in sabotage activities and handed them over to the police, it said.
Efforts to restore and maintain traffic flow have led to the removal of 123 roadblocks on highways in relation to various demands, ensuring the smooth passage of vehicles. As a result of 723 discussions facilitated by the task force with factory owners and workers, acts of vandalism or arson were successfully prevented in 56 factories.
Moreover, the task force has taken steps to ensure that outstanding wages are paid to workers, organised separate meetings with stakeholders from the business community, and coordinated with policy-makers from business associations. Regular awareness-raising initiatives, including public announcements in residential areas, have also been implemented to promote understanding among workers, the release said.
On October 20, 2024, the task force’s activities received high-level recognition.
The Interim Government’s Special Assistant for Defence and National Solidarity Development, Lt Gen (retd) Abdul Hafiz, alongside the Chief Adviser’s Special Envoy for International Affairs, Lutfey Siddiqui, visited the Industrial Security Task Force at the Savar Cantonment.
During their visit, they observed the production operations of several factories on-site. The delegation praised the army and all involved for fostering a robust production environment within the industrial sector, the release said.