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Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has warned of strict action against anyone attempting to destabilise the country under the guise of labour protests, alleging that certain groups are acting at the instigation of forces across the border.
He made the remarks on Monday (November 2) after a meeting with garment factory owners’ leaders at the Home Ministry conference room at the Secretariat.
Labour Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury, Prime Minister’s Adviser Mahdi Amin and labour leader Shimul Biswas were also present.
The home minister alleged that some individuals were pursuing a different agenda to create unrest, claiming that workers themselves were not behind some of the recent disturbances.
He also alleged that fugitive leaders and activists of the now-banned Awami League had repeatedly referred to December, apparently seeking to encourage their followers.
Asked whether ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina would return in December, Salahuddin said December was the month of victory and that the government had several programmes planned for the occasion.
He said the government had already approached the relevant country through the Foreign Ministry, following due procedures, to facilitate the return of fugitive individuals.
The minister urged those convicted in absentia to return and face justice in accordance with the law.
Reiterating the government’s position on labour unrest, he said no industrial units would be shut down, as the livelihoods of thousands of workers depended on them.
He warned that anyone engaging in unlawful activities or attempting to destabilise the country would face firm action.