The garment workers' protest in Bangladesh has escalated into violence, with demonstrators taking to the streets for the past two weeks to demand better wages for the country's four million garment industry workers. BGMEA Director Mohiuddin Rubel informed UNB that, given the current unrest, factory owners have been advised to close all garment factories nationwide until further notice to ensure the safety and security of the workers.
Photo : TBS
Reports have emerged of workers being dismissed without receiving their due service benefits from Anlima Textile Limited, according to a factory worker. Bangladesh's 3,500 garment factories, which generate approximately 85 percent of the country's $55 billion in annual exports, supply major global brands like Levi's, Zara, and H&M.
A government-appointed panel recently increased the sector's minimum wage by 56.25 percent to 12,500 taka. However, this adjustment has been rejected by workers who are now demanding a minimum wage of 23,000 taka.
Violence has intensified, with at least 73 people, including 14 police officers, killed and many more injured in clashes across Dhaka and other regions of Bangladesh. The BGMEA has reported a financial loss of 6,400 crore taka due to the factory shutdowns and internet disruptions, while the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association estimates losses at $58.8 million.