Massive Wage Protests in Bangladesh: Around 670 Garment Factories Shut Down
Garment workers in Bangladesh have intensified their protests demanding higher wages, forcing around 670 factories across the country to suspend operations.
The demonstrations have continued for several days, with workers taking to the streets in the capital Dhaka and major industrial areas, including Ashulia, Gazipur and Narayanganj.
On Sunday, protests turned violent as demonstrators blocked roads, vandalised several factories and set vehicles on fire. Police fired tear gas to disperse the protesters, leading to clashes between security personnel and workers.
The workers are demanding an increase in the minimum monthly wage from the existing 13,000 taka to 30,000 taka. They say rising prices of essential commodities, house rents, cooking gas and electricity have made it increasingly difficult to manage their daily expenses.
Bangladesh’s garment industry employs around four million workers and supplies clothing to several major international brands. The sector contributes nearly 10 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), generating approximately 40 billion annually through exports.
In an attempt to ease the situation, the Bangladesh government has announced the formation of a wage review board. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman also held an emergency meeting with ministers to discuss the ongoing unrest. However, demonstrations continued despite the government’s intervention.
According to Dhaka Police Deputy Commissioner Mohidul Islam, at least 29 protesters had been arrested by Monday. He warned that legal action would be taken against those responsible for creating unrest in garment factories.
Meanwhile, authorities have accused the banned Awami League, led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, of attempting to exploit the workers’ movement to instigate violence. However, no evidence has been made public to substantiate the allegation.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed also warned of strict action against those allegedly attempting to destabilise the country under the cover of labour protests.
On the other hand, Babul Akhter, a workers’ representative on the wage review board, appealed to the protesters to return to work. He assured them that he would continue to fight for their rightful wage demands.
The prolonged unrest has raised concerns over possible disruptions to garment production and international supply chains, potentially affecting Bangladesh’s position as one of the world’s leading garment exporters.
