Salahuddin calls RMG unrest 'political conspiracy'

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Wednesday described the ongoing unrest in the garment sector as a politically motivated conspiracy to destabilise the country, alleging that outsiders were exploiting workers to create instability rather than address genuine labour concerns.

Speaking to reporters after an inter-ministerial meeting to review the draft Cyber Security (Amendment) Act, 2026, he said genuine workers were not involved in the attacks, arson and vandalism.

The minister alleged that some garment factory owners, along with former Awami League lawmakers, ministers and state ministers, were involved in the unrest for political reasons. 

He further claimed that criminal groups and reactionary forces were working under a conspiracy orchestrated from a neighbouring country to destabilise Bangladesh.

Salahuddin said both factory owners and labour leaders had agreed in recent discussions with the government that ordinary workers were not behind the destructive activities and were instead being used to serve political interests.

Claiming that garment workers currently have no unresolved demands, the minister said that their key demand had been the formation of a wage board to review the minimum wage every three years.

Although the process faced a slight delay as workers took time to submit their representatives' names, the board was formed immediately afterwards and held its first meeting on Wednesday.

Salahuddin said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had issued clear instructions to prioritise workers' well-being and living standards. As the government works to increase exports, strengthen the economy and create jobs. 

He urged workers to ignore rumours and provocations and return to their workplaces immediately to protect industrial production, their livelihoods and the national economy.

While law enforcement personnel showed restraint and followed instructions to avoid excessive force. The minister warned that criminal groups and perpetrators of organised violence would be dealt with firmly and not spared.

Source: UNB