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Wage protests force hundreds of Bangladesh garment factories to close

By · Published by Everything Blog

In short

Industrial hubs surrounding Dhaka, including Ashulia and Gazipur, ground to a halt as hundreds of manufacturing plants suspended operations amid escalating demonstrations. Workers are demanding that base monthly earnings rise from 13,000 taka to 30,000 taka to meet rising food, rent, and utility costs. In response to road blockades and facility damage, police deployed tear gas and detained dozens of protesters. The government has established a wage review board, while labor representatives have urged employees to resume work during the negotiations.

Key points

  • Bangladesh's garment industry generates nearly $40 billion annually and accounts for appr…: Bangladesh's garment industry generates nearly $40 billion annually and accounts for approximately 10% of national GDP.
  • Prime Minister Tarique Rahman held an emergency ministerial meeting, leading to the forma…: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman held an emergency ministerial meeting, leading to the formation of a wage review board.
  • The prolonged shutdown threatens production timelines and relationships with major intern…: The prolonged shutdown threatens production timelines and relationships with major international apparel brands including H&M, Primark, and Uniqlo.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

- Published

Hundreds of garment factories in Bangladesh have been forced to closed after days-long protests by workers demanding higher wages.

On Sunday, protests in the capital Dhaka turned violent with protesters blocking roads, vandalising factories and setting vehicles on fire. They also clashed with police, who fired tear gas to disperse them. Police later said that dozens of protesters had been arrested.

Workers are demanding a minimum monthly wage of 30,000 taka ($242; £180), more than double the current standard, citing rising costs of living.

Bangladesh's textile industry employs around four million workers and manufactures garments for major global brands including H&M, Primark and Uniqlo.

There are fears in the industry that the prolonged unrest could disrupt production and affect international buyers, state news agency BSS reported.

The garment industry generates nearly $40bn every year for Bangladesh, accounting for around 10% of its GDP.

The South Asian nation is the world's second-largest garment exporter after China - but its workers are among the lowest-paid in the world, taking home around 13,000 taka ($105; £78) a month.

"We want the…

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