DHAKA: Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner AKM Shahidul Haque warned a section of garment workers and masterminds involved in triggering unrest would have to face legal action.

“RMG workers will be sued if they are involved in vandalism and subversive acts in different areas of the city,” said the DMP Commissioner Friday at a press conference in city’s police headquarters following labour unrest over the new wage structure announced by the government.

He also urged the general workers not to go on rampage in order to help the authorities to avert “plots of vested quarters”.

The agitated workers on Friday morning came out on the roads of different areas being instigated by ‘so-called’ garment leaders, he said. “But it must not be tolerated.”

Earlier on Thursday, the government announced Tk 3,000 as the minimum wage for readymade garment workers, nearly doubling the amount from Tk 1,662.50, although the labour side stuck to their guns for higher pay.

Following the announcement, workers of several garment factories on Friday morning started agitation in different areas, including Gulshan 1,2, Banani, Mohakhali and Karwan Bazar, rejecting the new wage structure, said sources.

They also vandalised a number of vehicles and roadside establishments, including garment factories, residences and businesses.

The agitating workers demand Tk 5,000 as minimum wage.

BDST: 1340 HRS, 30 JULY 2010