Govt seeks Interpol red notice against owners of 3 garment factories

The
government has taken the initiative to request Interpol to issue a Red Notice
against the owners of three garment factories on the allegations of negligence
in paying workers' wages and other dues, and for their prolonged stays abroad.
The accused are: TNZ Group Managing Director Shahadat Hossain
Shamim, Chairman of Dird Group Itemad Ud Daulah, its Managing Director Nabeel
Ud Daulah, and Roar Fashion Ltd Managing Director Mamunul Islam, said a press
statement by the labour and employment ministry today.
The government has
taken the initiative based on cases filed by the labour court in Gazipur and
the first and third labour courts in Dhaka.
The development came more than four months after Labour and
Employment Adviser Brig Gen (retd) M Sakhawat Hussain warned that they would
request the home ministry to issue red alerts against the fugitive owners of
six garment factories for failing to clear workers' dues.
In the statement issued today, Hussain said the steps have been
taken to bring the accused back to the country and ensure payment of workers'
outstanding wages and benefits.
"We are determined to protect the rightful interests of
workers. We will be strict against those who act unjustly towards workers.
Cases against them for labour rights violations and related legal complaints
are ongoing," he said.
The labour ministry, based on its request to issue red notices
against the factory owners or managing directors, said police headquarters had
formally requested the Interpol authorities through a letter.
On this matter, Lutfey Siddiqi, special envoy to the chief
adviser on international affairs, said non-cooperation or negligence by factory
owners regarding workers' rightful entitlements will not be tolerated.
"There must be consequences for such
actions," he said.
















