Intelligence agencies have identified a quarter, trying to create unrest during the 11th national parliamentary elections. It’s found that the anti - government quarter is trying to stir up discontent on a wider scale using the new pay scale of textile workers.
Intelligence agency members are already on the field to detect this subversive group.
Meanwhile, the government has also formed a seven member high powered committee to maintain vigilance on the textile sector.
The committee comprises, secretaries of commerce, jute and textile, home ministry’s public security, labour and employment, presidents of BGMEA and BKMEA and DG of industrial police.
On 25 November last, the government published a gazette increasing the minimum wage of the textile worker to Tk.8000, a hike of Tk. 2700 from the previous wage.
The new salary was implemented from 1 December and workers will get a new raised amount from January 2019.
However, certain elements are trying to create a movement against the new pay structure with a view to destabilizing the country during elections.
The administration is vigilant to ensure that outsiders do not infiltrate the textile community and try to trigger dissension.
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers’ and Exporters’ Association, BGMEA, president, Siddikur Rahman, told Bangla Tribune: “a conspiracy had been brewing for some time, though currently, there isn’t any unrest in the sector.”
Industrial police plus intelligence agencies are keeping a close eye on possible disruptions, he added.
One additional secretary of the home ministry says: “we are aware of the threat; if necessary, the law enforcers will go to action.”
State minister for labour and employment, Md. Mujibul Huq, Chunnu, says: “though the wages of textile workers increased by 51 per cent, clandestine efforts are underway to trigger discord.”
Those who want to thwart the election are behind this, he added.