40 arrested over RMG unrest, none are genuine workers: DIG

Law enforcement agencies have arrested 40 people on allegations of creating disorder amid labour unrest in industrial areas, including Dhaka, Gazipur and Narayanganj, but none of those arrested are genuine workers, claimed Dhaka Range Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Md Mostafizur Rahman.

He made the remarks while speaking to journalists on Tuesday (November 3) after inspecting the Dhaka Export Processing Zone (DEPZ) and several industrial units, including Ha-Meem Group, in Narsinghpur of Ashulia.

The DIG said, some miscreants were taking advantage of workers’ movements over legitimate demands to infiltrate the workforce and create disorder. Police were working to identify those involved and collecting necessary information and evidence, he added.

He warned that outsiders attempting to create unrest in the name of labour movements would be brought to justice. He also urged genuine workers to remain alert and cautious.

Meanwhile, Dhaka District Superintendent of Police Shamima Parveen alleged that a group of people wearing burqas and helmets was instigating workers to destabilise the country. Police also had information about those financing the group, she said.

She further said the overall situation in the industrial areas of Savar and Ashulia remained calm, with workers continuing their duties in a normal environment. However, strict action would be taken against anyone attempting to create anarchy, she added.

Additional Superintendent of Police (Savar Circle) Rakibul Hasan Ishan, Ashulia Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Tarikul Islam and senior district police officials were present during the visit.

-MT