BM Desk:

In response to the escalating tensions in the garment sector, President [President’s Full Name] has directed the appointment of key individuals to the Minimum Wage Board in adherence to Section 138(4) of the Bangladesh Labor Law 2006. The appointments aim to address concerns and establish fair representation for both industry owners and workers in the Cotton Textile Industry.

Representing the interests of industry owners, Mr. Abdul Malek, the Managing Director (Production) of Pahartali Textile and Hosiery Mills, located in Chittagong, has been appointed to the Minimum Wage Board. Simultaneously, Mr. Shahjahan Sazu, a Senior Lab Assistant at Pahartali Textile and Hosiery Mills and Senior Vice-President of the Workers Union, will represent the workers in the industry.

These appointments align with the government’s commitment to ensuring a fair and balanced representation on the Minimum Wage Board, as mandated by the Bangladesh Labor Law 2006. The government emphasizes the importance of these appointments to safeguard the welfare and rights of both industry stakeholders amidst the current challenges faced by the garment sector.

In a related development, the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) has expressed deep concern over the unrest in the garment sector in Dhaka and surrounding industrial zones. President Mohammad Ali Khokon informed the press that BTMA is actively engaged in discussions with the Ministry of Labor and Employment and the High Minimum Wage Board Secretary, Mr. Mohammad Ehsan Elahi.

BTMA emphasizes the urgent need for the prompt announcement of a minimum wage structure for laborers and employees in the “Cotton Textile” sector. The government, through the established Minimum Wage Board, is expected to make the announcement within the next two weeks, as assured by the Secretary of the Ministry of Labor and Employment and representatives from the High Minimum Wage Board.

BTMA stands in complete solidarity with the government, urging its workforce to remain patient. The association reassures its members that the declared wage structure will be implemented immediately, with mills responsible for settling any outstanding dues from the effective date. BTMA calls upon its member mills and their workers to exercise patience during this crucial period.