Nazneen Ahmed, president of the Parliamentary Caucus on Women and Children and a member of parliament, has stated that the recent labour unrest in the garment sector could have been averted had the wage board been constituted earlier. She made the remarks in a statement issued on Friday (November 13).

Lack of Timely Action

Ahmed noted that prolonged delays in forming the wage board had created a persistent sense of uncertainty among workers. Had the board been set up in time, much of the frustration and agitation over workers' demands could have been significantly reduced. She observed that the administrative delay allowed the situation to escalate into a complex crisis.

Call for Swift Resolution of Demands

In her statement, she urged the relevant authorities to promptly address the legitimate demands of the workers. Ahmed emphasised that dialogue with workers is indispensable for maintaining peace and order in industrial establishments and ensuring uninterrupted production. She expressed hope that with the wage board now in place, a mutually acceptable solution can be reached between workers and factory owners.

Importance of Industrial Stability

The caucus president stressed that stability in the readymade garment sector, the country's primary source of export earnings, is vital for the national economy. Ensuring the fair rights of workers is essential for sustaining long-term peace in this industry. She advised all parties to resolve the issues with patience and mutual tolerance.