RMG workers threaten to enforce strike

Garment workers yesterday threatened to enforce strikes at RMG factories across the country if the killers of labour leader Aminul are not arrested before May Day.
The ultimatum came in a human chain organised by the “Committee for Justice for Aminul Islam” at the Jatiya Press Club.
Babul Akhter, president of Bangladesh Garment & Industrial Workers Federation, said, “All garment workers' organisations, as a single unit, will lay siege to the BGMEA Bhaban and other important public offices if no satisfactory steps are taken by April 30.”
We will force the government to punish the killers by waging tougher movements both nationally and internationally, he added.
Aminul, former president of Bangladesh Garment & Industrial Workers Federation for Savar and Ashulia units, went missing from Ashulia on April 4 last year. He was found dead the following day in Tangail.
Aminul's wife and his three children also took part in the human chain.
Aminul's daughter Saima Akhter Akhi said, “Those who made us orphans and my mother widow must be brought to book.”
She expressed her frustration as the killers were yet to be put behind bars in spite of their repeated appeals to the concerned authorities.
Recently, the home minister has announced Tk 1 lakh as reward for providing information about Mustafizur Rahman -- main suspect of Aminul's killers.
Terming it a drama, the labour leaders accused the government of dillydallying the arrest of the killers.
They also demanded the government compensate the victim's family, ensure workers' security, and congenial atmosphere in working places.
Later, the committee held a press conference at Dhaka Reporters Unity.
Aminul's killing sparked condemnation at home and abroad.
Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also raised the issue during her visit to Bangladesh last year.
Meanwhile, five international organisations wrote Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday to bring the murderers to justice.
The organisations include American Federation of Labour and Congress of Industrial Organisation, Maquila Solidarity Network, Worker Rights Consortium, International Labour Rights Forum, and Clean Clothes Campaign.