Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar on Thursday alleged that banned (activities) Awami League and its affiliated organisations might be exploiting the ongoing garment workers’ unrest to create instability in the country, calling for a neutral investigation into any attempts to incite violence.
“Whether the banned (activities) Awami League, Jubo League, Sramik League or any vested group is attempting to provoke unrest and sabotage under the cover of the ongoing labour unrest must be investigated impartially,” he said.
He made these remarks while reading out a written party statement at a press conference at the party’s central office in the city.
In his remarks, Porwar said the ongoing movement did not appear to be entirely a genuine labour or trade union movement, alleging that external forces with ulterior motives were trying to use the situation to destabilise the country.
He, however, stressed that ordinary workers should not be held responsible without evidence and that those involved in violence and sabotage must be brought to justice irrespective of their political or social identities.
In its written statement, Jamaat expressed deep concern over the ongoing labour unrest, vandalism, factory closures and uncertainty surrounding the livelihoods of garment workers.
The party also demanded a neutral investigation into the death of worker Toufiq Sheikh, 21, who died while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Uttara after being injured in clashes in Gazipur.
It called for compensation for his family and proper treatment for the injured workers.
Porwar said workers were struggling with rising living costs and house rents, while factory owners were facing higher energy costs, inadequate gas and electricity supplies, high interest rates and reduced prices offered by international buyers.
He called for a balanced government role in resolving the crisis, warning against excessive force, harassment and intimidation of workers by law enforcement agencies.
In its 15-point set of demands, Jamaat called for the immediate determination of a new minimum wage, effective retrospectively from January 2027, and the release of innocent workers and labour leaders arrested during the unrest.
The party also demanded the withdrawal of harassment cases, reopening of closed factories, an end to unlawful layoffs and payment of outstanding wages and allowances.
It proposed an immediate dialogue involving the government, factory owners and workers’ representatives to resolve the crisis.
Jamaat said the workers’ demand for a minimum monthly wage of Tk 30,000 should be considered in determining a reasonable wage, although it was willing to allow room for compromise to reach a balanced settlement.
The party also called for a rationing system for workers, expanded healthcare and housing facilities, and improved maternity protection and workplace safety for female workers.