Labour and Employment Adviser M Sakhawat Hussain has said that a kind of instability is being created in the industrial sector, particularly in the ready-made garment (RMG) industry.
He alleged that the fallen government and its allied states are involved in causing this unrest, with some issues being unknowingly created by workers.
Speaking at a citizen festival organized to promote voter awareness and civic activism, Sakhawat made these remarks today (Wednesday). The event, jointly organized by The Hunger Project Bangladesh and Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (Shujan), was held at the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority auditorium in Agargaon, Dhaka.
Commenting on the unrest in the garment sector, Sakhawat said: “Workers are not creating problems; rather, they are being used to create problems. This is unfortunate. We must remain vigilant about those instigating this unrest from outside the country.”
Addressing the topic of national elections, Sakhawat, also the former election commissioner, said that four national elections in the country have been reasonably acceptable both domestically and internationally.
Criticizing the last three elections held under the Awami League government, he said: "One doesn’t need to go abroad to earn a PhD on how to ruin elections. Those elections were the final nail in the coffin of democracy, and their consequences are already evident. Every structure of the state has been destroyed.
“Elections in Bangladesh used to be a festival. But for the past 15 years, people haven’t been able to vote. Elections are only acceptable when they are participatory, involving not only political parties but also the spontaneous participation of voters,” he added.
He expressed hope that the upcoming election, whenever it happens, will be an exceptional one.
Sakhawat said: “Those participating in the next election must surely have learned from the last three elections. If they haven’t, it will be regrettable.”
He urged citizens to be vigilant about their voting rights to ensure no one’s vote is stolen.
Justice MA Matin, the acting president of Shujan, highlighted the importance of raising awareness about fundamental rights among citizens. Speaking at the event, he said: “Certain rights are innate to every individual. If the spirit of democracy remains alive, there is little need for constitutions and laws. However, if that spirit dies, no constitution or law can revive it.”
He urged people to safeguard the taste of independence they currently enjoy.
Badiul Alam Majumdar, secretary of Shujan and head of the Electoral Reform Commission, said that everyone shares responsibility for the current situation, with politicians bearing the greatest burden for failing to deliver on their promises.
Badiul Alam stressed the need for reform within political parties, said that it must be initiated by the parties themselves rather than being imposed externally.
He warned that nothing will succeed unless citizens remain vocal, as "the people are the true owners of this state."
He also mentioned that many people desire the reinstatement of a caretaker government system during elections.
“We hope the court's verdict on December 17 will reinstate the caretaker government system. To ensure it is never abolished again, everyone must act as watchdogs,” he added.