Labour and Employment Secretary AHM Shafiquzzaman on Sunday said that the ongoing labour unrest at Beximco Industrial Group will be resolved once an administrator takes full control.
“We will soon appoint an administrator at Beximco,” he announced during a press conference at the Bangladesh Secretariat.
The press conference was held to brief journalists about the activities of the Youth and Sports Ministry and the Labour and Employment Ministry during the first 100 days of the interim government.
Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan, who previously held the Labour and Employment portfolio, was also present at the event.
When asked about workers at Beximco Industrial Park blocking the Chandra-Nabinagar highway for the second consecutive day to demand unpaid salaries and arrears, the Secretary acknowledged the severity of the situation.
“Beximco has a monthly salary and allowances obligation of Tk 82 crore,” he said.
He revealed that several advisers held a meeting at the office of the chief adviser on Sunday to address the issue and that he had received specific instructions from the meeting.
Shafiquzzaman added that he, along with the finance adviser and the commerce adviser, would meet again to discuss possible solutions.
The secretary shared that he had discussions with the Bangladesh Bank governor on Saturday, where assurances were given that the issue would be resolved once an administrator assumes control.
An executive director of Bangladesh Bank has already been appointed as the administrator, he said: “The problem will be addressed once the takeover is complete.”
While Beximco Pharmaceuticals remains profitable, Shafiquzzaman pointed out that the company’s textile division is facing significant financial distress.
Regarding the ongoing labour unrest, he stated that the Bangladesh Army and Industrial Police are working to restore order. “We will address the situation collaboratively,” he emphasized.
The secretary also highlighted the government’s firm stance against those instigating unrest, revealing that 128 individuals, including owners and workers, had been arrested. “We are taking tough steps and decisive action,” he asserted.
He acknowledged that while many of the workers' demands are reasonable, others are not. “A third party is attempting to destabilize the labour sector,” he remarked.
Additionally, Shafiquzzaman announced plans to introduce a new labour law by next March, ensuring it aligns with international standards.
