The IndustriAll Bangladesh Council (IBC) demanded legal action against the police officials involved in killing Rasel Howladar, a readymade garment worker of Gazipur who died on Monday.
The council also demanded Tk25 lakh as compensation to Rasel’s family .
Amirul Haque Amin, president of the IBC made the demand at a press conference in the capital on Tuesday.
He urged workers to maintain law and order and to refrain from any illegal activities at the instigation of anyone or outsiders.
“I request you all to have some patience and to continue the production process of the factory by maintaining a peaceful environment in the current situation,” he added.
He also said that the minimum wages have not yet been finalized by the wages board and they expect the wage will hike and will be effective from next December with the January 2024 wages.
He also urged the elimination of all kinds of oppressive activities by the administration, lawsuits and attacks and also demanded withdrawal of all false cases filed along with unconditional release of arrested labor leaders.
“We strongly believe that this kind of unwelcome action will not help - but rather harm - the movement for higher wages for garment workers,” he added.
IBC does not support any vandalism and road blockades and the council will not be held responsible for such activities.
He also said that agitation demanding an increase in wages started in Gazipur and Ashulia which is gradually expanding to different industrial areas.
“Last October 30, when the workers were returning to their respective homes after the holiday of various factories in Gazipur, an innocent worker named Rasel Howladar was killed when the police fired indiscriminately while some people were conducting riotous activities on the street,” he added.
Moreover, a number of workers were seriously injured and are currently undergoing treatment in various hospitals.
He also said that discontent is accelerating among workers in other industrial areas as well as workers are being attacked by local goons, external mercenaries of local owners, including the police.
“We suspect that some political circles are also misusing the ongoing movement for their own ends. We request all political parties to not try to use it for your own party interests,” he added.
IBC persisted in its four-point demand of Tk23,000 minimum wage, 65% basic wage, 10% annual wage increment, five grades instead of seven.
IBC Acting General Secretary Nurul Islam, Senior Vice-President Babul Akhter, central leaders ZM Kamrul Anam, Saluddin Swapan along with other leaders were also present at the press meet.
