Recent acts of disorder in the garment industry are not the work of ordinary workers, said Dhaka Range Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Mostafizur Rahman. He said an interest-driven group seeking to create anarchy is behind the situation in an attempt to destabilise the industrial sector and society.

He made the remarks while speaking to journalists at Ullail on the Dhaka-Aricha Highway on Thursday.

The DIG further clarified that none of those arrested so far from Savar, Ashulia and Gazipur is a garment worker by profession.

He said there have been no untoward incidents in the industrial zones recently and workers are continuing their regular activities in a safe environment. Police personnel are working tirelessly from early morning until midnight to keep the industrial sector, a key driving force of the economy, operational.

Dhaka District Superintendent of Police Shamima Parveen, who was also present, said maintaining overall law and order in industrial areas and ensuring factory security are the police’s top priorities.

She said eight cases have already been filed with Savar and Ashulia police stations over the recent violent incidents.

During Wednesday’s violence, a vehicle belonging to Savar Model Police Station was set on fire, leaving the officer-in-charge (OC) injured.

So far, 30 people have been detained on suspicion of involvement in the incidents. Legal proceedings in other related cases are also underway.