Govt seeks Interpol red alert against three fugitive RMG owners

A government move begins to request Interpol to issue Red Notices against the fugitive owners of three garment factories for "negligence in ensuring workers' rightful dues" and staying abroad for long.

Officials concerned have said the wanted persons are Shahadat Hossain Shamim, Managing Director of TNZ Group, Ittemad Ud Doula, Chairman of Dird Group, and Nabil Ud Doula, Managing Director of the same group, and Mamunul Islam, Managing Director of Roar Fashion Ltd.

The initiative has been taken by the government following cases filed in the Labour Court, Gazipur, and the First and Third Labour Courts, Dhaka.

Brigadier-General (Retd) M. Sakhawat Hossain, interim government's Adviser for the Ministry of Labour and Employment and the Ministry of Shipping, says in this regard that they are determined to protect the just rights of workers.

"We will be strict with those who act unjustly towards workers. The cases against them concerning violations of labour rights and related legal complaints are ongoing. The government has taken this initiative to bring the accused back to the country to ensure payment of workers' arrears and benefits."

Following an application from the Ministry of Labour and Employment for issuing Red Notices against the factory owners/managing directors, a letter signed by the Additional Inspector General (NCB) of Police Headquarters was sent to the International Police Organisation for action.

Lutfey Siddiqui, Special Envoy for International Affairs to the Chief Adviser of the post-uprising government, made it clear that non-cooperative or negligent behaviour by factory owners regarding the legitimate rights of workers will not be tolerated.

"Such actions must have consequences. I thank the Labour Adviser for his firm steps in this regard."

mirmostafiz@yahoo.com