Dhaka, July 31 (bdnews24.com)—Prime minister Sheikh Hasina has threatened to take stern measures against those responsible for creating unrest in the readymade garment sector.

Her deputy spokesperson Mahbubul Haque Shakil said that the prime minister had said that there would be zero-tolerance for those who create anarchy in the industry.

Hasina was speaking by teleconference on Saturday at the inauguration at Tungipara's Bangabandhu Poverty Alleviation Complex of two projects set up by the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association's (BGMEA) human resource development programme.

"The minimum wage has been increased to Tk 3,000 from Tk 1,600 after making the owner's agree through my personal initiative. Such activities, even after that, are designed to destroy the country's garment sector," she added.

She questioned, "Who will benefit if the industry that earns the bread of workers is destroyed? Workers should not involve themselves in activities that might put their source of income at risk, because if the sector closes down due to the anarchy they will become unemployed."

"Workers should concentrate on their work after accepting the new minimum wage. Their reasonable demands will be addressed after the effects of the world economic depression are over and exports increase," Hasina added.

Addressing workers, she asked, "If anyone raises the demand to reimburse damages to privately-owned residences, vehicles and offices from workers pay, what will you say?"

The prime minister added that those who are fuelling this anarchy are enemies of the people and the state.

"Initiatives are being taken to search them out and take steps against them," Hasina added.

She urged owners to be more understanding and sincere about workers' problems and said that the government will subsidise supply of rice and wheat for the garment workers' ration.

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