Awami League Funding and Fueling Garment Workers' Unrest; 11 Leaders and Activists Arrested

Widespread chaos, vandalism, and clashes have erupted across Mirpur in the capital, as well as Savar and the neighboring district of Gazipur, centered around garment workers' demands for a revised minimum wage. Although law enforcement agencies were deployed to control the situation, sensational information has emerged regarding the direct involvement, funding, and sabotage attempts by leaders and activists of the banned Awami League and its associate organizations.AL Funding, Incitement, and Government ResponseFollowing the ongoing unrest in the readymade garment (RMG) sector, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman chaired an emergency meeting with key government policymakers and ministers at the Secretariat.Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Labor Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury stated, "A minimum wage board has already been formed in accordance with the workers' demands. The continuation of this chaos despite that clearly proves elements of Awami fascism are engaging in these destructive acts with an eye on December." He added that the government would address the issue politically.In a separate press briefing, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmad remarked, "Innocent garment workers are being used, with incitement and funding coming from across the border to create instability in the country. Masked individuals have infiltrated this violent movement."11 AL Leaders and Activists Arrested for Sabotage AttemptsFollowing incidents of violence, vandalism, and the setting of a police vehicle on fire during the protests in Mirpur, the Detective Branch (DB) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police conducted raids and arrested 11 leaders and activists associated with the Awami League and its affiliate bodies.Mohammad Rakib Khan, Deputy Commissioner (DC) of DB Mirpur Division, confirmed that the arrestees face allegations of inciting ordinary workers from behind the scenes and gathering crowds through financial backing. Those arrested include:Shramik League Leader: Md. Kamal Gazi (Joint General Secretary), accused of hiring people with money and inciting vandalism.Juboleague Activist: Md. Ramzan Sarkar.Awami League Activists: Md. Oliullah Onik (active member and picketer), Alif Hossain Imon, Md. Nahid Hasan, Arif Akond, Zayed Karim Riaz, Moazzem Shahria Niyaz, Zubayed Islam Zishan, and Md. Mahim Molla.Additionally, police reported that evidence, including video footage on social media, shows several leaders of the banned Chhatra League—including Sajbul Islam, Organizational Secretary of the Jagannath University Chhatra League unit-actively chanting slogans and inciting violence on the field.