Unrest in RMG sector created by ousted forces: Adviser Sakhawat

The ongoing unrest in the industry sector, particularly in the readymade garment (RMG) sector has been manufactured by the members of the ousted Awami League-led government and their partner countries, Labour and Employment Adviser M Sakhawat Hossain said today (11 December).

"There is an unrest in the industry sector. This unrest has been created especially in the ready-made garment sector. The fallen government and their partner countries are creating some problems by joining hands," he said.

The adviser made the remarks while addressing an event titled 'Citizen's Festival' focusing on voter consciousness and citizen activities in Agargaon of Dhaka. The event was jointly organised by The Hunger Project and Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (SHUJAN) at the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Auditorium.

Further speaking about the unrest in the RMG sector, he said, "The workers are not creating problems. They are being used to create problems. We have to be cautious about the foreign forces who are inciting the unrest in the RMG sector."

Sakhawat, a former election commissioner, also talked about the previous national elections. "Till now, a total of four national elections have been acceptable both at home and abroad."

Criticising the AL regime for the last three elections, he said, "We don't need to go abroad to learn how to destroy elections. The last three elections under the Awami League government were the last nail in the coffin of democracy. The outcome is visible- every institution of the state has been destroyed."

"Elections used to be like festivals. But the people could not vote in the last 15 years. An election becomes credible only when it is participatory.  Not only political parties but spontaneous participation of the voters is also needed," the adviser added.

Sakhawat hoped the next election, whenever it may take place, would be different.

"I hope those who will take part in the next election have taken lessons from the past three elections. It will be unfortunate if they have not done so," the adviser further said.

While speaking as chief guest at the programme, Sakhawat urged everyone to remain alert about their rights as voters so that no one's voting rights get snatched away by anyone.

Secretary of Shujan and Chief of Election System Reform Commission Badiul Alam Majumder, who was also present at the event, said although everyone is responsible for the current state of the country, politicians are more responsible than anyone else.

"Politicians did not implement the promises they had made. To get out of this situation, the political parties need reforms. But this cannot be imposed. The political parties have to undergo reform out of their own volition. Nothing can be done if the citizens do not become aware, as they are the owners of this nation," Badiul said.

Hoping that the caretaker government system will come back through the court's verdict on 17 December, Badiul added everyone wants the caretaker government system to make a comeback.

"Everyone has to act as a watchdog so that the caretaker government system does not go away once again," Badiul added.