Labour Secretary AHM Shafiquzzaman has issued a stern warning to factory owners against laying off workers illegally without informing local administrations and concerned authorities.

He emphasised that any such attempts would be met with strict legal action, as intelligence reports indicate a potential conspiracy to destabilize the garment sector by creating unrest among workers after Eid.

Speaking at a press conference at the Secretariat following the 20th meeting of the RMG Tripartite Consultative Council (RMG-TCC) on Tuesday (April 8), Shafiquzzaman stated: "If layoffs are to be carried out, they must comply with the law. Any illegal layoffs made without notifying the industrial police, local administration, army, or the local office of the factories department will be treated as deliberate attempts to create worker dissatisfaction and disrupt stability. Strict action will be taken against such owners."

Concerns over post-Eid worker unrest

The Labour Secretary revealed that intelligence agencies have reported plans for significant layoffs once workers return to work after Eid. This could lead to tensions in the labour force, undermining the stability of the garment sector. To pre-empt such scenarios, the RMG-TCC convened an emergency meeting to address the issue.

Shafiquzzaman iterated that legal channels must be followed for any workforce adjustments. Complaints related to layoffs should be formally reported to government offices, and protests, if any, must remain lawful and non-disruptive.

"There is a right to protest, but there is no right to block roads. Legal action will be taken against anyone attempting to occupy roads or incite unrest," he warned.

Crackdown on incitement and unlawful activities

Highlighting ongoing challenges in the labour movement, the Labour Secretary pointed out that certain labour leaders and groups are deliberately inciting unrest. Investigations have identified individuals involved in such activities, and legal action will be pursued against them.

Citing specific examples, Shafiquzzaman mentioned a recent rally held by workers of TNZ Group near their factory premises. He questioned the timing and intent of the rally, noting that it occurred just before a scheduled meeting aimed at resolving labour issues.

"While discussions are underway to resolve problems, another group is staging protests on a BRTC double-decker bus near the Labour Building. Why? These actions suggest ulterior motives. There are parties who do not want our factories to run smoothly. They are systematically creating problems for workers, and they are enemies of the country," he asserted.

TNZ crisis: A case study

The Labour Secretary also addressed the ongoing crisis at TNZ Group, which owes significant salary arrears to its workers across four factories employing approximately 3,200 people.

Despite receiving two instalments of financial assistance from the government – Tk 16 crore in November and an additional Tk 17 crore recently – the company remains unable to clear its debts.

"This company is no longer operational. It has been decided that all four TNZ factories will be closed. The Beximco model will be applied here. Just as the owner of Beximco paid the dues of 40,000 workers, the TNZ owner will also be held accountable for clearing worker dues," Shafiquzzaman stated.

He announced that a high-level committee has been formed to evaluate TNZ’s assets and determine how outstanding payments can be recovered. The government has taken custody of the factories effective immediately.

"The owner has been given seven days to return to Bangladesh. If he fails to do so, a red alert will be issued against him via Interpol. I cannot place any trust in him while he remains abroad," the Labour Secretary declared.

Shafiquzzaman underscored the critical importance of protecting the interests of garment workers, who form the backbone of Bangladesh’s economy.

"If 4 million workers are well, Bangladesh will be well. Those who plot against the RMG sector are enemies of the country. We will not tolerate any actions that harm this vital industry," he concluded.