Local business leaders in Narayanganj do not view the ongoing labor unrest in the garment sector as a typical labor movement. They allege that the unrest is part of a deliberate attempt to destabilize the country’s ready-made garment (RMG) industry.
Furthermore, they highlighted the various forms of financial pressure and harassment faced by factory owners and called for business associations to play a more effective role in resolving the crisis.
These points were raised during a discussion meeting held on Thursday afternoon at the Narayanganj Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which was attended by leaders from both national and local business organizations to address the ongoing labor unrest in the district.
Presiding over the meeting, Mustafizur Rahman Bhuiyan Dipu—president of the Narayanganj Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Member of Parliament for the Narayanganj-1 constituency—noted that a wage board is constituted every three years. He pointed out that the wage board was formed on schedule this time as well, and its decisions were accepted by the garment factory owners; therefore, there is no logical basis for a crisis to arise from this. In his view, the situation has been orchestrated specifically to destroy the garment industry and put the government in a difficult position.
"This is not a labor movement," he stated. "Demanding a salary of 30,000 taka is not a legitimate demand. There is a concerted effort to destroy Bangladesh’s garment industry and undermine the government." He added that the current administration is a democratic government elected by the people. Attempts to dismantle the nation’s democracy and its garment sector have occurred in the past, but the people of Bangladesh are now vigilant; efforts to set the country back will not succeed. He urged the business community to remain united.
Describing the situation in Narayanganj, Dipu noted that there are over 500 operational garment factories in the district, with issues surfacing in only 12 to 13 of them. He claimed that approximately 90 percent of those participating in the unrest are not actually garment workers. He further alleged that the unrest was deliberately manufactured to facilitate road blockades in specific areas. However, he noted that the collective stance taken by the people of Narayanganj prevented any major crisis from unfolding.
Addressing the opposition, he urged that despite political differences, everyone must work together in the national interest. He emphasized that Bangladesh belongs to everyone; therefore, he urged against any actions that could harm the nation and called for providing the government with the space to carry out its work.
During the meeting, Masuduzzaman Masud—former president of the Narayanganj Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Managing Director of the Model Group—highlighted the financial crises faced by business owners and the burden of excessive expenditures incurred at various stages of their operations.
He stated that if the practice of extracting money from business owners at different levels were halted, it would be possible to pay workers not just 30,000 taka, but up to 40,000 taka if necessary. To facilitate this, he demanded the implementation of a "one-stop service" for business owners.
Masuduzzaman explained that business owners are frequently forced to make payments under various pretexts—whether for anniversary celebrations, birthdays, or while dealing with government offices, including customs. Money is often demanded whenever documentation is required. Having to spend crores of taka annually in this manner has pushed business owners to the wall. If these funds could instead be directed toward the welfare of the workforce, it would be possible to further increase workers' wages and allowances.
He also questioned the role of the BGMEA and BKMEA. He pointed out that although these organizations hold substantial funds in Fixed Deposit Receipts (FDRs), they have failed to play an effective role in supporting workers and business owners during the industry's current crisis. He remarked that these organizations need to be more responsible and proactive during such challenging times.
Masuduzzaman also expressed frustration regarding the role of political parties. He noted that, given the current situation, the conduct of the opposition parties—as well as the NCP and Jamaat-e-Islami—has appeared questionable, mysterious, and disappointing to the business community. He called for political parties, business owners, and all relevant stakeholders to work together to resolve the nation's problems.
Others present at the discussion included Morshed Sarwar Sohel, Vice President of both the Narayanganj Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the BKMEA; Abu Jafar, Vice President of the Chamber; directors Riad Mohammad Chowdhury, Sohel Akter, Golam Sarwar Sayeed, and Ahmedur Rahman Tanu; as well as Mujibur Rahman and leaders from various business associations.
