Addressing a rally at Muktangon in the city, the BTUK leaders said though one month has passed, the agreement signed between the government, garment owners and workers is yet to be implemented.

They said the unwillingness of the government to implement the agreement has proved its apathy towards the workers.

BTUK General Secretary Dr Wajedul Islam Khan said the BNP-Jamaat-led coalition government has adopted a policy of dilly-dallying in implementing the agreement.

He said negligence and non-payment of due wages to workers for years had sparked off the recent violence in the apparel sector.

Dr Wajedul urged the workers to take part in the strike and blockade programme for the sake of their own existence.

He also demanded an announcement of Tk 3000 as minimum wage for workers within three months.

Presiding over the rally, BTUK President Nurul Islam said there will be more agitation in the country if the government does not pay any attention to the welfare of the workers.

He also demanded reopening of all closed factories in the country for the sake of workers.

"The garment workers will not return home unless the government meets their demands as stated at the tripartite agreement," he added.

He also urged all garment workers to make the July 31 programme a success to save them as well as the industry.