Bangladesh has formed a six-member wage board to review garment workers’ salaries amid growing protests across major industrial areas. However, demonstrations continued on Sunday despite the government’s announcement.
Workers are demanding a minimum monthly wage of 30,000 taka, more than double the current 12,500 taka. They say rising food, housing, transport and healthcare costs have reduced their purchasing power.
Protests Disrupt Factories and Transport
Thousands of garment workers staged demonstrations in Dhaka and surrounding industrial districts. Police used tear gas and water cannon to disperse protesters who blocked a busy intersection in the capital.
Meanwhile, hundreds of workers blocked a major highway in Gazipur, disrupting traffic. Some demonstrators reportedly threw bricks at police during clashes.
The protests forced factory owners to shut down between 25 and 30 factories in affected areas. Authorities also deployed Border Guard Bangladesh personnel to maintain order.
Earlier demonstrations in Ashulia had already forced dozens of factories to suspend operations. The latest unrest has raised concerns about further disruption to the country’s garment industry.
Wage Board Faces Pressure to Find Solution
Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury announced the formation of the board after consultations with workers’ representatives and industry leaders. He urged employees to end demonstrations and return to their workplaces.
The board will review wages as workers continue demanding better financial conditions. However, prolonged factory closures could delay export shipments and payments from international buyers.
Bangladesh’s garment sector employs approximately four million people and generates more than 80% of national export earnings. It also contributes around 10% to the country’s gross domestic product.
Manufacturers are already facing rising production expenses, alongside recurring gas and electricity shortages. Consequently, continued unrest could create further challenges for workers and businesses.
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