Immature Government Decisions Blamed for Industrial Unrest, New Wage Structure Demanded Within 3 Days

Jatiya Sramik Shakti has expressed full solidarity with the ongoing movement of workers demanding higher wages. At a press conference held on Tuesday, the organization's leaders firmly demanded the implementation of a new wage structure within three days and urged an immediate end to violence against protesting workers.

Abdul Hannan Masud, a political council member of the National Citizens' Party and Member of Parliament, stated that the government and factory owners have politicized the wage board. He blamed immature and unplanned government decisions for pushing the situation to its current state. Masud highlighted that while the costs of gas, electricity, and essential commodities have surged, wages have remained stagnant. He noted that the workers' 2023 demand for a minimum wage of 25,000 Taka is entirely justified given the current soaring inflation.

Masud further criticized the government for its failure to provide security in industrial zones like Savar, Ashulia, Gazipur, and Narayanganj. He alleged that activists from the Awami League and banned organizations are being sheltered, and their presence in the protests is being unfairly blamed on general workers. Holding the government accountable for the unrest and lack of security, he demanded the immediate resignation of the Home Minister. He also suggested that factory owners could offset costs by stopping port bribery and transport extortion rather than denying fair wages.

Mazharul Islam Fakir, the convener of Jatiya Sramik Shakti, demanded the resignation of the Labor Minister for failing to form a functional wage board and set new wages. Riaz Morshed, the member secretary, specifically requested law enforcement agencies to refrain from attacking the workers, emphasizing that they do not want to see a repeat of previous police brutality.

The speakers warned that if the oppression continues and fair demands are ignored, the movement will escalate into a larger nationwide protest. They urged the government to adopt a tolerant approach and ensure a living wage aligned with current market prices to save the industrial sector.