Speech Delivered by MAK on 23.3.2000 at 14th World Trade Union Congress organised by WFTU in New Delhi

SPEECH DELIVERED BY MANZURUL AHSAN KHAN, MEMBER, CENTRAL COMMITTEE, BTUC, ON BEHALF OF BANGLADESH DELEGATION AT THE ‘INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY CONFERENCE AGAINST BLOCKADES AND SANCTION ‘ NEW DELHI, 23 rd MARCH 2000,14 th WORLD TRADE UNION CONGRESS ORGANISED BY WORLD FEDERATION OF TRADE UNION, WFTU

Transcribed in to written form from extempore speech,

Comrade President, sisters and brothers,
on behalf of Bangladesh delegation representing several national trade union and on behalf of SKOP, a Trade Union alliance of 17 National TU’s of various orientation and in the name of the working class we extend our solidarity to workers and people of different countries round the world who are fighting against, Blockades, Embargo, trade sanctions, hegemony, pressures and open military aggression.

Solidarity has become the most crucial point in the present day TU and other mass movements. The global onslaught of capital has to be resisted today by united action of labour on a global scale, of TU’s, political and mass organizations, professionals, humanists and environmentalists and all oppressed peoples.

The country behind the iron, nuclear, electronic and misinformation curtain-I mean the US imperialism is trying to deceive the world in the name of globalization and global village.

The leader of international state terrorism President Bill Clinton is now on state visit to countries of this region. The international laws, conventions and civilized practices developed through centuries of working class and people’s struggle including the UN charter are being grossly violated by these global terrorists. This terrorism extends to all spheres including political, economic, currency, information, cultural, military and bio ecological spheres and all life forms.

The imperialist governments, MNC’s and their World Bank, IMF, WTO, imposed on us their prescription of privatization, liberalization and so-called open and free market concept.

As in many other countries in Bangladesh also whole sale and indiscriminate privatization has lead to large scale closure. De-industrialization, retrenched workers joining million of unemployed. The so-called liberalization and open market has caused our commodities and services to be pushed out of the local markets and flooding of the same by foreign goods and services As a matter of fact in real life our markets are open to rich countries while their own markets are closed or restricted. Even the meager possibility of entering the markets of developed countries is being cunningly resisted by protectionism veiled by so-called labour standards, employment of child labour, human rights, and other non tariff barriers etc.
In the name of open market the imperialists allow free flow or mobility of capital, profits, commodities and machineries but oppose mobility of labour., free flow of manpower, a visa free global village because that will go against the interest of rich developed countries.
The big bosses of the world put restrictions on our garments exports on pleas that child labour was employed but do not restrict tea exports where child labour and virtual slave labour is used in many of the Tea Gardens are owned by British companies, their class brothers. Trade union will of course continue to fight against child labour in Bangladesh and USA wherever it is. We will fight for a healthy and happy childhood which is being continuously threatened by super profiteering.

We are asked to abide by the diktats of Breton Wood Organizations, but USA violated the Breton Wood understanding by unilaterally withdrawing gold support against US dollar and plunders the world economy and continues to do so in terms of trillions of dollar.

Mr. Clinton asks Bangladesh not to give any subsidy in agriculture or other sectors but he continues to give, directly or indirectly, huge subsidies to several sectors including agriculture in his own country.

It is the US government talking much about open and free market which is responsible for blockade and sanctions. It was US government who in 1974 diverted ship loaded with food grains sailing to Bangladesh in retaliation against jute export to Cuba. That US action was major factor in precipitating famine creating the backdrop for the brutal assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founder President of Bangladesh. Ours is a subcontinent of assassinated leaders. Much is being said about the transparency but the iron curtain still hides the sins of capitalism. Recently it has been revealed that President Allende of Chile was killed by CIA. Bangladesh President Mujib was killed later. May be we will also come to know about the involvement of the “Global Bosses sand self appointed guardians of democracy and human rights” some times later.

Bill Clinton’s visit to Bangladesh is a business tour. US companies who have purchased several blocks of natural gas field, and are trying to buy the rest in spite of ‘No’ from all the political parties including the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition and of course the Left a US company is trying to obtain lease of 122 acres of Chittagong port at the entry point for 198 years to build private container terminal facilities in despite opposition of port workers backed by several strike actions and popular protests. US business circle had been insisting upon the US Govt. to press upon Bangladesh to give business to US business. The US authorities and World Bank gong continuously sermonize while insisting on privatization and structural adjustment, that government has no business to do business. Bangladesh was declared a “bottomless” basket by Henry Kissinger. Perhaps now after a huge amount of gas and petroleum is reported to be in the bottom of our country the US President is visiting our country for the first time. Possible to gratify the guest who actually behaves like a master, our cabinet hurriedly approved the selling of 3 more blocks it is reported. But may we ask what business President Clinton has to do business in Bangladesh?

In the name of unipolar and peaceful world cold war has been replaced by hot wars, the agenda of total disarmament is being shelved and it is being pretended as if peace will be secured by the monopoly of the world gendarme on nuclear weapons.

We express our solidarity to peoples of Cuba, Vietnam, DPR Korea, China, Palestine, Syria, Libya, Iran, Lebanon, Yemen, Kuwait, Yugoslavia, Serbia, Algeria, and all other countries and people fighting against imperialist pressure and intrigue.

We condemn the killing of Abdel Huq ben Hamounda, the UGTA President by terrorists, and killings and repressions on trade unionist and workers all over the world.

Wherever the US President is visiting he is followed by a huge well armed security staffs, the marines, limousines jets, helicopters and so on. The VIP rooms of our 5 star hotels were turned into VID rooms where Dog squads were staying. Dhaka streets were emptied and the left forces, students and women who brought out black flag demonstrations were beaten up by the police like in India and were given a “good lesson of democracy”. But even after that Clinton’s programmes outside the Dhaka city was cancelled. Why? Who is his enemy in this unipolar world? There is no Soviet Union and no WARSAW. But yet NATO not only continues to exist, but continues to expand. Clinton is afraid of whom? People of the world? His own people? Why? Does he realize that he and the State he represents has done immense damage to the whole human society! Osama Bin Laden is now the most wanted man by USA. Who gave him and the fundamentalist Talibans arms to destroy Afghan Revolution? We were told Saddam Hussein and Iraq was fine when they were at war with Iran. Now we are told they are terrorists. US forces entered Panama and arrested its President on charges of Narcotic trade while a US girl Iliada by name convicted by Bangladesh court and jailed was released on the insistence of US senators and taken back home.

Dear friends, times are really hard. But there is a saying in Bengali “Jar Shesh Bhalo Tar Shob Valo” All well that ends well.

Last part of the last century witnessed disaster. The dissolution of the Soviet Union and socialism in Eastern Europe and all that went with it. But the last days of the centuries saw some victories too. Multilateral agreement on investment has been deferred due to public pressure. Right on the soils of USA the Seattle debacle of US President inspired people round the world to rise up again. During the last days Clinton had to cancel and cut short of many of his visits due to public protests.

Three days from today on 26th march we will celebrate the 29th Independence Day of Bangladesh. You supported our struggle, India supported us. We were supported by Socialist Soviet Union. During the last phase of the liberation war United States sent its 7th fleet loaded with Nuclear Arms. But we won. That spirit of Bangladesh, that spirit of India and that of the peoples all round the world, a spirit not of shameful capitulation but a spirit of honour and dignity, courage, commitment to what is just and fair should be roused and we shall win.

We are not against globalization and a global village. But we are against capitalist globalization, for profit in the interest of Multinational Corporations, Money and Military power. We are for a globalization in the interest of people,so to say a Sicialist globalization, or as Fidel Castro said. whatever name you give, it should be for the people, for mankind and protection of nature,for our earth.

John Lennon, a famous singer who was assassinated in America after a performance imagined about such a world where there will be no exploitation, no hunger, no borders, no wars and everything for Man. He sang.

“No possessions, no need to greed
You may say I am a dreamer,
But I am not the only one
Some day you may join me
And the world shall be one.

Dreams that have been dreamt by millions of billions of people since centuries cannot but come true, Soviet Union is no more but its working class its heroic people and workers and peoples of the world and WFTU is with us. Let us march forwarded in solidarity!
Thank You.

News: Press Release 1st july 2009

Punish killers of Workers. Arrest hooligans and notorious terrorist gong leader Sumon and others responsible for assault, arson and lootings. Release arrested workers and withdraw false cases against workers. Accept the just demands of the workers to ensure industrial peace.

The GSTUK organized a press conference on 1st July 2009 at 11-30 A.M at Progoti Conference Hall of Mukti Bhaban, 2 Comrade Moni Singh Sarak, Dhaka 1000.Bangladesh

The conference was called in the backdrop of killing of two workers of Ashulia adjacent to Capital city Dhaka . The workers of the S.Suhi Industrial Park Ltd were protesting peacefully against dismissal of workers when the Ansar forces (auxiliary police) opened fire on the workers without any provocations. Hundreds of workers were injured and many were arrested. For the last few days a rein of terror has been let loose by police, hired hoodlums of employers and terrorists serving the vested interest..

The Press Conference was presided over by the president of the Organisation Idris Ali. General Secretary Ruhul Amin read out a written statement and Adviser of the organization Advocate Mantu Ghosh, Vice President Sadekur Rahman Shahin, Asst Sec Tuhin Choudhury, office Secretary Joly Talukder, G.S. Ashulia Regional Committee K. M. Mintu,Habibur Rahman,an worker of Opex factory and brother of Mijanur Rahman, worker of S. Suki who was hit by bullet, Selina Khatun, central leader Nasima Akhter, Mamun Khan Joy, Saifulla Al-mamun and other spoke in the conference.

The labour leaders said that the workers of S.Suki Industrial Park Ltd were on peaceful protest against suspension of 3 workers. On 27th June when the workers raised their demands before the AGM they were assaulted by hooligans hired by management. The workers resisted and at one stage Ansar forces inside the factory fired upon the workers on orders of the factory bosses. One worker was killed and several others were injured. The workers then went out of the factory and orgnised protest demonstrations. The processions were also attacked by police and armed hooligans.

On the next day the workers of the whole area numbering hundreds of thousands came out in the street and organized peaceful procession.

Known miscreants and hired hooligans under the protection of police fired upon the workers and another worker were killed and hundreds were injured. The brutal incidents killing and assault of last 2 days created severe unrest and the workers became furious. Several lacs of garment workers work in Ashulia industrial area and adjacent zones..

Leaders explained that during such situations some corrupt ‘jute’ businessmen (buying wastage from garment factories ,usually muscle men) criminal and terrorists, many of whom are involved in extortion from owners of garment factories (Realize huge amount of money from garment owners under duress. Recently several garment owners and business men have been killed by such mafia groups.) use such situations to organise looting and arson and settling scores with opposing groups. This time too these mafia groups created chaos and anarchy.

The leaders reported that on 28th June Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association BGMEA called several leaders of Trade Unions of Garment Workers for a meeting to discuss the situation and find a solution out of the crisis. The leaders attended the meeting and GWTUK leaders requested the employers to invite representatives of workers of Ashulia and S.Suhi factory where the trouble started. At one stage of the discussion Mr. Salam Morshedi President of BGMEA declared that the families of the workers who died will be given a compensation of Taka 3 lacs, Proper treatment for the injured will be ensured, no cases will be instituted against any worker for participating in the movement and no worker will be retrenched. He also declared that a joint delegation of BGMEA and trade union leaders will visit Ashulia and make the announcement to the workers to calm down the situation. GWTUK expressed apprehension and said that it was important to take the workers leaders at the plant level into confidence, particularly because mafia groups were provoking anarchy in the area. But the employer’s leaders insisted.

GWTUK leader informed the press that they went to Ashulia on 29th morning with BGMEA leaders and explained to the workers the declaration made by Mr.Salam Morshedi accepting the demands.

Due to the absence of trade unions at the factory level it was very difficult to convince the workers about the commitments of the employers. It may be noted that in most of the factories the workers are not allowed to form trade unions and any such attempt faces retribution by employers such as dismissal, assault by hooligans and arrest by police. In the absence of trade unions workers grievances cannot be solved by bilateral negotiations and quite often spontaneous outburst take place. More over in the past there were several agreements with the employers but the workers were betrayed in the long run. Workers do not have much confidence on commitments given by employers..

During these meeting mafia groups backed by some big political parties were active and they were organizing brick bating, arson and loot in different places of Ashulia. They also ransacked and set fire to large garment factories belonging to Hamim Group.

The worker leader expressed surprise at the accusations made in certain sections of the press that the garment workers set fire to those factories. The leaders stated in the press conference that the owner of Hamin group Mr. A.K Azad in a public statement said that no worker was involved in the arson and attack. The owner said that it was a pre planned conspiracy of a vested interest group who organized the attack. An official of the factory who was present at the place of occurrence also complained of the connivance of police with the criminals who ransacked the factory. He alleged that the police was simple onlooker and even the fire brigade was obstructed and delayed.

Addressing the press conference the workers leaders complained that various party terrorists and mafia group are involved in criminal activities in the industrial area, They also fight with each other to gain control in the area. A notorious mafia boss Sumon belonging to the present ruling party who is also in jute(waste product of garment factory) business has created a rein of terror in the whole zone along with his groups and is now going around with open arms and beating up trade union activist. They are going to the houses of TU activists and threatening their families. Sumon and gong kidnapped Helal worker of PM Fashion Garments, tortured him physically and handed him over to police. Police raided several times the residence of Tuhin Choudhury and K. M Mintu President and General Secretary of Ashulia Regional Committee of GSWTUK, threatened their wives and relatives and ceased hand mike, booklets, D-forms for TU membership, worker Bi-weekly Sramik Awaj and other documents. Police also asked their family member to leave the area immediately. They also threatened that if they do not leave the area soon they will be killed in so called crossfire. Extra judicial killing in Bangladesh is commonly called ‘cross fire’. More than a thousand people have been killed by Army and Police personnel in utter violation of fundamental human rights.After such killings as a routine press notes are issued claiming that a person under custody while being escorted by law and order forces to identify bases or dens of criminals tried to run away and was killed in cross fires.

Tuhin Choudhury a popular workers leader was beaten up and his mobile and money were snatched away. The notorious Sumon waving fire arms at Jampara Road crossing announced publicly that he will kill Tuhin, Mintu and hundreds of TU activists.

The speakers complained that all these things were happening in open day light before the eyes of Police and Government authorities. They also expressed surprise that in certain news papers there were reports that the trade union leaders provoked the chaos and they even quoted intelligence reports. The TU leaders said that it is evident that the mafia groups have questionable relationship with law enforcing agencies, administration and local political elites.

The workers leaders expressed satisfaction that several newspapers were objective in their reporting and informed the readers of the fact that GSTUK leaders tried their best and even risked their life to bring peace and save the factories from the attack of hooligans. The workers resisted armed gangs when the miscreants ransacked the factories.

The leaders of GSTUK demanded immediate arrest of Sumona Bhuian and gong responsible for anarchy in the region and repression on workers.
Arrest of killers and ensure exemplary punishment.

Immediate implementation of the declaration made by the President of BGMEA

The leaders said that the workers, industry and the countries interests are interdependent. None of them can be saved at the cost of others.

They called upon all workers, employers and the government as well as local people and political forces to unite and work for peace in the industrial area and oppose the forces of anarchy and plunder. They also reiterated that the right to form trade unions guaranteed by law, tripartite agreements and ILO conventions ratified by Bangladesh Government, should be duly honored by Garment owners. The trade unions can play a positive role in settling labour disputes peacefully and avoiding sudden outbursts and unrest which hamper production and industrial peace.The garment owners and the Government must realize that it is due to the absence of trade unions that such workers unrest flares up so often.The Gvt. should also take stern measures against mafia groups involved in looting and arson, irrespective of their political affiliation
The GWTUK leaders also called upon all inside and outside the country to come forward in solidarity to garment workers.

CPB President visits Cyclone Aila affected areas

Mazurul Ahsan Khan President CPB has recently visited South Bengal to distribute relief materials and to see for himself the situation in areas affected by cyclone ‘Aila’. He visited Khulna,Bagerhat,Pirojpur,Boithaghata, Jelekhali, Kamarkhola, Gunari, Dakope, Kalinagar, Paikgacha, Koira, Kalra, Mongla, Mothbaria,and Kochubaria from 11th to 15th June. Accompanied by Presidium Member Muniruzzaman, CC. members Ruhin Hossain Prince and S.A,Rashid,President Bangladesh Students Union, Nure Alam Vice Chairman Mongla Upozilla, Nitai Gain V,Ch, Batiaghata, Krishnapada Mondol V.Ch. Paikgacha and other leaders and distributed relief material to the distressed.He also attended several meetings of public representatives, relief workers and cross section of people to know about the situation in the devastated areas and priorities for required remedial measures and preventive actions .

Recalling his experience in 2008, during his visit to cyclone ‘Cider’ affected areas he said in certain areas the effects of Aila was more disastrous. Many barrages were washed away at several points and saline water flooding destroyed crops and sources of fresh water, and water receded slowly or not at all, he said during press briefings. While visiting remote areas by microbus, boats, trollers, motorcycle and by foot he found scarcity of drinking water was very acute The Government, Navy, only few NGO’s, and CPB arranged for transporting drinking water to some remote areas but it was insufficient. While traveling by boat Manzur saw hundreds of people women and children waiting with water containers at different points of river bank and were crying for water. People working for disaster management were unable to reach remote areas and did not have enough training, and facilities and could not realise the urgent requirements of the distressed. In Mongla port area it was for the first time the township was under saline water. As a result ponds which preserve and supply sweet water for drinking were polluted due to flooding saline and dirty water.. People in Mongla depend on rain water preserved in big containers and pots and sweet water ponds for drinking throughout the years. Manzur briefed press men at different places during his whirlwind tour and said that the government should draw a master plan for barrages in the whole region, taking native knowledge of local people into consideration, avoid harmful barrages and reconstruct barrages necessary which should be wider higher and stronger. Millions of people can be employed for construction of such barrages. Manzur said it is a pity that despite experience of the past the government has failed to do much to ensure supply of safe drinking water to people in south Bengal particularly in coastal areas, which is scarce even during normal times. Emergency measures should be taken to provide safe drinking water during normal time prepare authorities of disaster management to ensure supply of sufficient safe drinking water during cyclones and floods..

Manzur expressed surprise at the failure of the government, most NGO’s, political parties and mass media to give due importance to ‘Aila’ devastation. He said a silent climate migration is taking place in the coastal areas of South Bengal. Local people reported that only from Dakope Upozila 50,000 people have migrated to Khulna city. It is also due to environmental migration besides normal urbanization. CPB President commented that while talking to people during Cider in 2007, he could see peoples will to stay back and rebuild life, but after Aila many people were loosing hope and thinking of migration. He said climate change is having catastrophic effect in Bangladesh and due compensations should realized from rich countries responsible for this. Absolute transparency must be ensured and the money should be properly spent in effected areas. He called for a world wide movement for mitigation not only adaptation due to climate change. He also demanded the recognition of right of effected people to migrate to safe places in the countries responsible for climate change.

CPB president visited village Kachubaria in Shapleja Union of Mothbaria Upozilla, Dist. Pirojpur. CPB constructed Pond Sand Filter in this remote village Kachubaria during last ‘Cider’ which is the only source of safe drinking water for hundreds of inhabitants in the area. He also visited Progoti Primary School at the same place which was also established after the Cider. He distributed books and pencils for 300 students of the school. CPB with the financial support of “Hide Bangladesh Welfare Association” started construction of a Cyclone Center at this place after the cyclone Cider. The construction is going on in full swing despite remoteness of the area and bad communication. Though financial and other constraints are quite high, Manzur expressed hope that the construction will be completed soon.

At the last leg of the tour three members of the relief team including CPB President were hospitalized due to severe diarrhea coupled with electrolytic imbalance. Comrade S A Rashid CC. member and General Secretary of Khulna District Committee of the Party and comrade Hazrat Ali narrowly escaped death. Lack of safe drinking water, food, long and arduous journey, extreme weather was some of the causes. All the three comrades had to be admitted in the local hospital and were released after two days.

Left Parties Condemn Killing and Repression on Garment Workers-CPB Press Release June 29 2009

Demands Acceptance of Their Just Demands.

Leaders of the Communist Party of Bangladesh and other Left Parties strongly condemned the killing of two garment workers and demanded that the Garment Owners and the Government immediately stop repression on workers, give compensation to families of the dead and the injured, arrange for proper treatment, withdraw all false cases against leaders of garment workers and accept the genuine demands of the workers.

The meeting held at Muktangan, Dhaka in the afternoon was addressed amongst others by Manzurul Ahsan Khan President CPB and a Trade Union veteran, Prof. Abdus Sattar of Workers Party (Reorganised), Bazlur Rashid Feroze coordinator of Democratic Left Alliance, Saiful Huq G.S. Biplobi Workers Party, Moshrefa Mishu G.S. Biplobi Democratic Party a leader of Garment workers, Abdul Matin Talukder of BSD, Jonaid Saki of Gonosanghati Andolon, Badrul Alam and Shamim Imam of DLA,CPB leaders Sahidulla Choudhury,President BTUK Advocate Mantu Ghose,Adviser BGTUK and Ahsan Habib Lavlu.

The leaders said that for the last three days Police, Ansars and local hooligans are carrying on repression and assault on workers of Ashulia area. Atleast two workers were shot dead and a reign of terror has been let loose in the industrial area.

The leaders said the owners of garment factories continue to violate labour laws and refuse even to implement tripartite agreements signed by the owners themselves at different times.

CPB President Manzur said owners backed by Government do not allow the garment workers to form trade unions which is a right guaranteed to them according to law,ILO conventions,ratified by the government and numerous agreements. Due to absence of Trade Unions, grievances of workers remain unattended and they pile up and explode often taking the form of revolt. Despite many such events in the past the workers right to form trade unions is continuosly denied.Any attempt to form trade unions as per law faces severe repraisals,victimisation,police actions and assault by hired hooligans. Rising price and low wages, illegal deduction from wages, non-payment of overtime and arrear wages, misbehaviour of bosses including beating and sexual harassment, victimization for T.U. activities, dismissal, retrenchment and closure , physical assault by hooligans are some of the causes which lead to outburst of labour unrest.

Manzur said that the workers never support looting and setting fire to factories and alleged that whenever the workers come out on the streets to press for their demands,mafia groups consisting of hooligans, extortionists and other miscreants also come out on the streets and resort to arson and lootings and settle their scores with garment owners and opponent groups. It is the same mafia who are involved in extorting huge amount of money from garment owners and business circle under duress. Recently several garment owners and businessmen were killed by such mafia groups. It seems the police and the government donot dare to touch these mafia bosses.

CPB President said two notorious mafia dons one in Ashulia and another in Narayanganj openly move with fire arms and no government dare to touch them. On the other hand some times even the government and the owners used those criminals to suppress workers movement. The mafia don of Ashulia openly declared that he will kill Tuhin and Mintu President and G.S of regional committee of Bangladesh Garment Workers Trade Union Kendra.
Meanwhile in a meeting on the 28th evening with the leaders of various TU of Garment Workers the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturer and Exporters Association BGMEA declared taka 3 lac as compensation for the dead and free treatment for the injured and suspension of all repressive measures. But police and local hooligans continue to terrorise.

The leaders of the Left Parties called upon the government and garment owners to ensure all rights and benefits including right to form trade unions and also to implement minimum wage at the rate of tk. 5000 per month ($63). The leaders also demanded punishment for those responsible for setting fire in a big garment factory and action against police for their mysterious role during arson and lootings.It may be mentioned that the highest foreign currency earning industry of Bangladesh being the Garment Industry employs about 300 thousand workers whose average earnings are the lowest in the region.

Garment workers being beaten up by hired hooligans