Jobs & HiringNov 1, 2026·2 min read

Double pay amid protests? Why are Bangladesh garment workers demanding this? How unrest threatens a $47 bn export sector

Livemint – News

2d ago

Summary

Bangladesh has set up a wage board to review pay in its garment industry as violent protests over low wages forced more than 500 factories to suspend operations, disrupting one of the country's most important export sectors. The government announced the formation of the six-member panel on Sunday and urged workers to return to their jobs. However, the move failed to immediately ease tensions, as thousands of garment workers continued to protest in the capital city Dhaka, and the industrial hub of Gazipur on its outskirts. Meanwhile, authorities deployed Border Guard Bangladesh personnel to help maintain order. Workers are demanding a minimum monthly wage of 30,000 taka (around $245), more than double the existing minimum of 12,500 taka . The latest protests follow an unsuccessful attempt by garment manufacturers to raise the minimum monthly wage by 25% to around $90. Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury said the wage board was formed following discussions with representatives of workers and employers. Bhanu Pratap is a journalist who reports and writes on foreign affairs, India’s foreign policy, geopolitics and strategic affairs. He closely follows diplomatic developments in New Delhi and has a keen interest in defence and national security. Bhanu also focuses on in-depth, interview-based reports and regularly speaking with experts and policymakers to bring perspectives and context to major developments around the world. He is also interested in stories with strong humanitarian angles. One such report examined the cases of Indian nationals who were allegedly recruited and forced into Russia’s war against Ukraine. Stay updated with the latest Trending , India , World , CJP Protest in Delh LIVE and US news.

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Bangladesh garment workers are demanding a minimum monthly wage of 30,000 taka, more than double the current rate, as rising living costs fuel violent protests. The unrest has shut 529 factories, threatening a $47 billion export industry that employs millions and supplies global brands.

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Later that day, the government announced the formation of a six-member wage board to review the workers’ demands.[1]

Labour Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury meanwhile urged the workers to resume work, saying the wage board would begin its deliberations shortly.[2]

The latest protests follow an unsuccessful attempt by garment manufacturers to raise the minimum monthly wage by 25% to around $90.[3]

However, the move failed to immediately ease tensions, as thousands of garment workers continued to protest in the capital city Dhaka, and the industrial hub of Gazipur on its outskirts.[4]

Al Jazeera – News16h ago

Later that day, the government announced the formation of a six-member wage board to review the workers’ demands.

Livemint – News(this article)2d ago

The latest protests follow an unsuccessful attempt by garment manufacturers to raise the minimum monthly wage by 25% to around $90.

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