Bangladesh's garment industry is facing significant disruption as protests over wages have led to the closure of hundreds of factories. The unrest, which has been ongoing for several days, escalated on Sunday in Dhaka, where demonstrators blocked roads, vandalized factories, and set vehicles ablaze. Police responded with tear gas, and dozens of protesters were arrested.
Workers are demanding a minimum monthly wage of 30,000 taka ($242; £180), more than double the current standard wage of around 13,000 taka ($105; £78). They cite the rising cost of living as the primary reason for their demands. The garment sector, a cornerstone of Bangladesh's economy, employs approximately 4 million people and generates nearly $40 billion annually, contributing about 10% of the country's GDP. The industry is crucial for global brands such as H&M, Primark, and Uniqlo.
The protests have sparked concerns about potential disruptions to production and the impact on international buyers. On Monday, around 670 factories suspended operations, and closures are expected to continue into Tuesday in key manufacturing areas like Ashulia, Gazipur, and Narayanganj.
In response to the unrest, the government established a board to review workers' wages. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman convened an emergency meeting with ministers to address the situation. Despite these efforts, demonstrations persisted on Monday. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed warned of punitive measures against those attempting to destabilize the country under the guise of labor protests.
Authorities have accused the Awami League, the banned political party of former leader Sheikh Hasina, of exploiting the protests to incite violence, although no evidence has been provided to support these claims. Meanwhile, Babul Akhter, a workers' representative on the wage board, urged protesters to return to work, assuring them that he would advocate for fair wages.
Workers have expressed their frustration over the rising costs of essential commodities. Mamun, a 28-year-old factory worker, highlighted the increase in food prices, cooking gas, and electricity bills, emphasizing the need for government intervention to either reduce the prices of essentials or increase wages.
The ongoing unrest highlights the precarious situation faced by Bangladesh's garment workers, who are among the lowest-paid in the world despite the country's status as the second-largest garment exporter after China. As the situation develops, the industry and government face mounting pressure to find a resolution that addresses the workers' demands while maintaining economic stability.
