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Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called on workers and the public to unite against attempts to vandalise factories and destroy industrial infrastructure, warning that such activities could undermine the country’s economic foundation.
Speaking at a brief roadside rally in Katakhali, Bagerhat, around 12:45pm on Thursday, he alleged that a group was exploiting workers’ wage demands to create unrest and destabilise the country, allegedly with backing from across the border.
The prime minister said that while the government was planning to reopen closed factories and establish new industries, some groups were attacking existing industrial establishments, damaging vehicles, machinery and factory infrastructure.
He warned that factory closures and destruction would primarily hurt workers and their families, depriving millions of people of employment and jeopardising the country’s economic future.
On workers’ wage demands, Tarique Rahman said the government had already formed a wage board, which had begun its work. A new minimum wage would be determined within the next one to two months, he added.
He stressed that no one should be allowed to use workers’ legitimate demands as an excuse to destroy industries.
“Those who attack and vandalise factories are not protecting workers’ interests; rather, they are destroying their livelihoods and future,” he said, urging people to remain alert and united against those responsible for the unrest.
The prime minister also alleged that the group which had deprived people of voting rights and siphoned off national wealth abroad over the past 15 to 16 years was now attempting to obstruct the country’s progress. He further alleged that the group, which left power following the mass uprising on August 5, 2024, was conspiring from across the border to create instability.
Highlighting the garment sector’s contribution to the economy, he said the industry had become one of Bangladesh’s major economic strengths over the past five decades, generating employment for millions of men and women and earning substantial foreign currency.
He recalled that late President Ziaur Rahman had initiated the garment industry in Bangladesh, warning that any damage to the sector would have serious consequences for both workers and the national economy.
Tarique Rahman said the government planned to reopen closed state-owned mills and factories and encourage domestic and foreign investors to establish new industries.
He said plans were underway to set up thousands of industrial establishments from Khulna, Bagerhat, Kushtia and Chuadanga to Panchagarh, creating employment opportunities for young people and improving living standards in the country’s neglected southwestern and northern regions.
“This is the time to build the country and change people’s fortunes,” he said, calling for collective efforts to prevent attempts to destroy industries.
Earlier in the day, the prime minister arrived in Mongla by helicopter at 9:50am, where a memorandum of understanding on economic and infrastructure cooperation between Bangladesh and China was signed in his presence. He later held a courtesy meeting with members of the Chinese delegation before travelling to Katakhali.
