Local BNP lawmakers allege that outsiders are exploiting garment workers’ wage protests to create instability.
Savar Upazila administration convened a special law-and-order meeting on 2 November 2026 in response to ongoing unrest over demands for higher minimum wages in the garment sector. Photo: Courtesy
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Savar Upazila administration convened a special law-and-order meeting on 2 November 2026 in response to ongoing unrest over demands for higher minimum wages in the garment sector. Photo: Courtesy
A special law-and-order meeting in Savar has raised concerns over the alleged infiltration of garment workers’ protests by a “helmet brigade” and masked individuals, prompting local BNP leaders to urge party activists to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agencies in maintaining order.
The meeting, convened by the Savar Upazila administration in response to ongoing unrest over demands for higher minimum wages in the garment sector, was held at the Upazila Parishad conference room this evening (2 November).
Participants alleged that the banned Awami League was attempting to exploit the labour unrest to stir instability and gain political mileage. They urged local BNP leaders and activists to remain present in their respective areas and work alongside law enforcement agencies to maintain order.
Among those attending were Dhaka Deputy Commissioner Farida Khanam, Dhaka District Police Superintendent Shamima Parveen, Savar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Saiful Islam, BNP Standing Committee member and Dhaka-2 lawmaker Aman Ullah Aman, and Dhaka-19 lawmaker Dewan Mohammad Salahuddin Babu.
Other administrative and police officials, local labour leaders and BNP activists were also present.
Speaking at the meeting, Sumaiya Islam, vice-president of the Bangladesh Garments and Industrial Workers Federation, urged protesting workers to remain calm and return to work.
She expressed concern that a “third party” might be instigating the unrest, particularly as demonstrations had continued despite the wage board’s announcement.
She also called on law enforcement agencies to investigate whether outsiders were involved in fuelling the protests.
Aman Ullah Aman said he, Dhaka-19 lawmaker Dewan Mohammad Salahuddin Babu and other BNP leaders had remained present in the industrial area amid the unrest.
Highlighting the garment industry’s importance to the national economy, he said BNP activists had remained on the ground throughout the day.
He called for concerted efforts to thwart any conspiracy or sabotage aimed at destabilising the country, particularly activities allegedly involving the banned Awami League.
Salahuddin Babu, meanwhile, questioned whether genuine garment workers were behind the ongoing unrest and voiced concern over the presence of helmet-wearing individuals.
He urged party activists to remain vigilant and identify those attempting to create disorder.
He cautioned them against taking the law into their own hands, however, advising them to report suspicious activity or attempts to cause disturbances to law enforcement agencies.
Following the meeting, police officials also asked BNP activists to remain stationed at key points across the industrial area tomorrow.
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