Dhaka, Nov. 14 -- Garment factory owners have warned that they will not participate in ongoing Minimum Wage Board discussions unless comprehensive security is ensured for industrial units, noting that 147 factories across major industrial belts remain non-operational due to persistent unrest.

The warning came at a joint press conference held by the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) at BGMEA Building in Uttara on Saturday.

BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan and BKMEA Executive President Fazlee Shamim Ehsan spoke in the press conference.

Leaders of the two apex trade bodies stated that a vested group is attempting to create anarchy...