BGB deployed at Gazipur

BGB troops have been deployed in Gazipur, joining large contingents of police and RAB to maintain peace in the area worst hit by the RMG workers unrest.

Staff Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 26 Sept 2013, 05:45 AM
Updated : 26 Sept 2013, 06:45 AM

Most garments factories in Gazipur, Narayanganj and Savar started production on Thursday after five days of workers' protest.

The workers are asking for a minimum monthly wage of Tk8,000 , while the management is willing to offer only Tk 3,600.

However, RMG workers at Jirani of Ashulia area took to the streets and blocked traffic for 30 minutes demanding closed factories to be open.

Reports of protest also came in from a factory in Mouchak area of Kaliyakoir upazila.

Management of at least 20 factories in the area have declared closure to avert mayhem.

"Three Platoon of the BGB have been patrolling Gazipur from early morning. The administration has also assigned two executive magistrates with them," Gazipur Deputy Commissioner (DC) Md Nurul Islam told bdnews24.com.

RMG workers have been demonstrating since Saturday demanding a minimum wage of Tk8,000.

Workers damaged quite a good number of factories and hundreds of vehicle in the last few days.

An Ansar Camp at Vogra of Gazipur was attacked and firearms were looted. and set on fire.

Home Minister Mohiuddin Khan Alamgir has said on Wednesday that those behind the unrest in the garment sector will be firmly dealt with.

The statement came after he had initially denied any major unrest in the sector.

“Garment is a national industry. Those going against this industry will be considered anti-national,” said Alamgir.

“Any outside force trying to foment unrest in the sector will be met with force. The law enforcing agencies have been accordingly instructed."

The government formed the wage board in May in the face of persistent workers’ protests for higher wages, which rights activists say are too meager and leave the workers incapable of meeting their daily needs.

The wage board has so far failed to fix a new wage structure.

But Shipping Minister Shajahan Khan has promised it will be finalised within November.