He says government will protect workers’ rights while preventing violence, factory closures and disruption to industrial activities

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has warned that the government will take stern action against those attempting to foment unrest in the industrial sector under the guise of labour movements, saying such instigators will be dealt with an “iron fist”.
 
Speaking at a high-level briefing on the recent industrial and labour situation on Monday (2 November), the minister outlined the government’s firm stance on maintaining law and order while safeguarding the rights and welfare of workers.
 
On the ongoing unrest in the readymade garment (RMG) and other industrial sectors, Salahuddin said the process of forming a new minimum wage board, which is required every three years, had begun weeks ago in consultation with relevant stakeholders and factory owners.
 
He said delays by labour organisations in submitting nominees had slowed the process, but the final nominations were recently received, enabling the Labour Minister to formally announce the formation of the new wage board. The announcement was also publicised through television channels and other media outlets.
 
 
The government alleged that a faction supportive of the ousted regime was exploiting workers to create disorder, block roads and incite violence.
 
Investigations had identified individuals allegedly linked to banned organisations and others suspected of fuelling the unrest, the minister said.
 
“We want to make it crystal clear: this government is pro-industry, pro-investment and pro-business,” Salahuddin said.
 
“At the same time, we will take every step necessary to generate employment, protect workers’ welfare and ensure strict adherence to the rule of law.”
 
He said law enforcement agencies had been instructed to take firm action against violence, arson and highway blockades aimed at destabilising the country.
 
Several people allegedly involved in organising disruptive activities had already been detained, while video footage and digital evidence had been collected, he added.
 
The minister also said no factory would be allowed to be forcibly shut down. A comprehensive monitoring system, including the Suraksha App and a dedicated control room at Police Headquarters, had been introduced to ensure factory security and enable swift intervention.
 
The Ministry of Home Affairs has also held discussions with factory owners and scheduled further meetings with labour union leaders to address workers' grievances through dialogue and maintain industrial peace.
 
Salahuddin further said formal diplomatic channels and extradition requests were being pursued to bring fugitive criminals and those accused of masterminding past atrocities to justice.
 
He reiterated that any attempt to destabilise the country under the pretext of labour protests would invite uncompromising legal action.