External forces infiltrating labour movement to sow discord: Mahdi Amin

Labour and Employment Minister Mahdi Amin said on Sunday that his ministry has gathered evidence of 'fugitive malign forces' attempting to infiltrate the labour movement with the objective of creating widespread unrest.

Amin did not elaborate on the specific nature of the evidence or identify the groups he was referring to, but suggested that external actors were behind a coordinated campaign to destabilize labour relations. The minister's comments come amid ongoing tensions in Bangladesh's industrial sector, where strikes and worker protests have periodically disrupted production.

The allegations appear aimed at deflecting responsibility for labour disputes onto foreign agents rather than addressing underlying workplace grievances. Labour rights groups have consistently raised concerns about working conditions, wage stagnation, and safety standards across Bangladesh's garment and manufacturing sectors.

The minister said his department was working to strengthen monitoring mechanisms to prevent infiltration of labour unions and workplace organisations. He urged workers and union leaders to remain vigilant against what he characterised as divisive external influence.

Bangladesh's labour movement has a long history of activism, particularly in the export-oriented garment industry, which employs millions and forms a cornerstone of the country's economy.