Dhaka, Nov. 2 -- Babul Akhter, a worker representative on the garment wage board, has urged protesters to return to factories, warning against vandalism and outside provocation.

Speaking after a meeting with the home minister on Sunday, he said labour federations would not back anyone involved in illegal acts, noting that no formal strike had been called.

"I request our worker brothers to return to work. Do not destroy your own factories," he said.

"Regarding your wage demands, we as worker representatives will sit together and realize what is fair through the board."

The appeal comes amidst ongoing labor unrest in Dhaka's Ashulia and Gazipur industrial belts, where workers demanding a minimum wage of Tk 30,000 clashed with police on ...