Dhaka, Dec 11 (V7N) – Labour and Employment Adviser M Sakhawat Hossain claimed today that the ongoing unrest in the industry, particularly in the readymade garment (RMG) sector, has been orchestrated by members of the ousted Awami League-led government and their international partners.

“There is unrest in the industry sector, particularly the ready-made garment sector. The fallen government and their allies are instigating problems by collaborating," Sakhawat stated.

He made these remarks while speaking at the ‘Citizen’s Festival,’ an event focused on voter awareness and civic activities, held in Agargaon, Dhaka. The event was organized by The Hunger Project and Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (SHUJAN) at the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Auditorium.

Addressing the unrest in the RMG sector, Sakhawat clarified, "The workers are not at fault; they are being manipulated to create disturbances. We must remain vigilant against foreign forces inciting this unrest.”

The former election commissioner also commented on past national elections, saying, “So far, four national elections have been widely accepted both domestically and internationally.” However, he criticized the Awami League regime for the last three elections, stating, "We do not need to go abroad to learn how to destroy elections. The last three elections under the Awami League were the final blow to democracy. The result is evident—every state institution has been compromised.”

Sakhawat further noted that elections used to be festive occasions but have lost their credibility in the past 15 years due to lack of voter participation. He stressed, "An election is credible only when it is participatory, with not only political parties but also the spontaneous involvement of voters.”

Looking ahead, he expressed hope that the next election would be different, adding, "I hope those participating in the next election have learned from the last three. It will be unfortunate if they have not.”

As the event’s chief guest, Sakhawat urged citizens to stay vigilant about their voting rights to ensure they are not taken away by any entity.

Badiul Alam Majumder, Secretary of Shujan and Chief of the Election System Reform Commission, also spoke at the event, blaming politicians more than anyone else for the current state of the country. He stated, "Politicians failed to deliver on their promises. To move forward, political parties must undergo reforms voluntarily. Citizens must be aware, as they are the true owners of this nation."

Majumder also expressed hope that the caretaker government system would be reinstated through a court ruling on December 17, urging citizens to act as watchdogs to prevent the system from being undermined again.

END/MSS/RH