Attempts to Destabilise Country May Continue as Long as Sheikh Hasina Is Alive: Information Adviser

PNN News Desk | Dhaka

Attempts to create instability in Bangladesh may continue for as long as Sheikh Hasina remains alive, according to Prime Minister's Adviser on Information and Broadcasting Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman. However, he said that even if attempts at sabotage and unrest continue, it would not be easy for Sheikh Hasina to return to Bangladesh in December.

He made the remarks on Tuesday (November 3) while responding to questions from journalists during a briefing at the Secretariat on the progress of various government activities.

Expressing concerns that the ongoing garment workers' movement could be used to create instability in the country, the information adviser alleged that the Awami League and its student wing, Bangladesh Chhatra League, had links to the labour protests.

According to him, there could be attempts to exploit the situation to carry out sabotage and create unrest. However, he assured that the government was prepared to deal with such activities.

Explaining the reasons behind the workers' demonstrations, Zahed Ur Rahman said rising inflation and higher fuel prices had increased the cost of living for garment workers. Taking these circumstances into consideration, the government had formed a wage commission in advance.

He said the formation of the commission was intended to address the workers' primary demands.

The adviser explained that garment workers' wages are generally reviewed every five years. The process was previously completed in 2006, 2010, 2013, 2018 and 2023.

Accordingly, there was no mandatory requirement to establish a new wage commission in 2026. Nevertheless, the government decided to form one while considering the interests and welfare of workers.

Responding to questions about incidents of violence during the ongoing protests, Zahed Ur Rahman said he did not consider such activities to be representative of the behaviour of genuine garment workers.

He also referred to comments by the Home Minister, who had reportedly said, based on intelligence information received by agencies under his ministry, that there might be instigation from across the border behind some of the incidents.

Discussing the political activities of the Awami League, the information adviser said the government did not believe the party was currently capable of carrying out significant political activities.

However, he alleged that the party possessed substantial financial resources, which could potentially be used to organise sabotage and create disorder in different parts of the country.

He said he was not certain whether these activities were connected to any specific developments expected in December. Personally, however, he believed that such attempts could continue as long as Sheikh Hasina remained alive.

The adviser also discussed the participation of individuals other than genuine garment workers in the protests and the government's approach to controlling the situation.

Zahed Ur Rahman said the government did not want to suppress demonstrations through excessive use of force, as had been done in the past. Young people participating in the protests were also being treated as citizens of the country.

He said the government was attempting to take necessary measures based on intelligence information while minimising damage to ordinary people and reducing public suffering.

He expressed hope that the situation would come to an end soon.

Regarding Sheikh Hasina's possible return to Bangladesh, the adviser said the government wanted to bring her back to the country. He added that the government's position would remain the same whether she returned voluntarily or arrangements were made to bring her back.

However, he declined to announce any immediate decision regarding the possible withdrawal of restrictions on her passport or the issuance of a travel pass.

He said the government would take the necessary steps depending on the circumstances.

Addressing the use of force by police, Zahed Ur Rahman said law enforcement agencies must act within the boundaries of the law and use force in proportion to the situation.

He said it was necessary to move away from the practice of using lethal weapons to suppress protests, which had been prevalent during the Awami League government.

According to him, the current government was trying to follow a policy of controlling situations through police action while ensuring the minimum possible damage when firearms were used.