Labour unrest largely driven by outsiders, says Adviser Hasan Ariff

Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Adviser AF Hassan Ariff has said ongoing worker unrest in differing factories in Ashulia and other parts of the country is largely driven by outsiders.

“We have received reports that the real workers are not involved in these acts of sabotage, as they would not destroy their own workplaces, which are their source of livelihood. These actions are being perpetrated by outsiders,” Hassan Ariff said following an emergency meeting at the Home Ministry on Wednesday.

During the meeting, attended by key advisers including Dr. Asif Nazrul (Legal Affairs), Farida Akhter (Fisheries and Livestock), Adilur Rahman (Industries), and Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan (Labor and Employment), concerns were raised about the escalating unrest in the garment sector.

“We urge the workers to resist these outsiders. If you stand against them, we will support you. However, these individuals have blended in so well that it has become difficult to segregate them,” Hassan Ariff said.

He further highlighted that the most significant disruptions have occurred at major factories, such as the Pran company’s plant in Cumilla, which was set ablaze. “Pran has never experienced worker unrest before,” the adviser said.

The adviser emphasized the need for decisive action to protect local factories and the broader economy. “If our local factories are destroyed, who stands to gain? Clearly, the real workers are not behind this chaos. Most of those involved are outsiders, and we need to be tougher in dealing with them,” he said.

When asked about the nature of these measures, he indicated that further deliberations are needed but hinted that arrests or detentions could be possible.