Violent protests rock Bangladesh garment hubs as workers demand a steep pay hike

Police used tear gas and sound grenades to disperse crowds as demonstrations intensified. (Reuters)

Violent protests have erupted in Bangladesh's garment industry as workers demand a sharp increase in their minimum monthly wage from 12,500 taka to 30,000 taka. Clashes, vandalism and road blockades have been reported in Dhaka and Gazipur, prompting authorities to deploy police and Border Guard Bangladesh personnel to restore order. The unrest, which began on Saturday, escalated on Sunday in industrial areas such as Mirpur in Dhaka and Konabari in Gazipur. Protesters allegedly vandalised factories, attacked police outposts with stones and set police vehicles on fire. Several major roads were blocked using barricades, disrupting movement. Police used tear gas and sound grenades to disperse crowds as demonstrations intensified. Border Guard Bangladesh units were also deployed alongside police to maintain security in the affected areas.

What's the demand

Garment workers are demanding a monthly minimum wage of 30,000 taka, more than twice the existing minimum of 12,500 taka. Their demand comes amid a recent government announcement of a new pay scale for public sector employees, which is expected to nearly double their salaries and benefits. Workers are seeking a comparable improvement in their earnings, arguing for a substantial increase in wages. However, factory owners say they are struggling with declining orders, stagnant product prices and rising costs of imported raw materials. They have argued that meeting the workers' demand would be difficult under current conditions.

Wage board formed, but protests continue

The Bangladesh government has formed a wage board to decide on a revised minimum wage for garment workers. However, the move has not brought the demonstrations to an end, with workers continuing to protest for higher pay. The dispute has put the spotlight on Bangladesh's ready-made garment (RMG) industry, which grew rapidly from the late 1970s and early 1980s to become the backbone of the country's export economy. The sector accounts for more than 80 per cent of Bangladesh's export earnings and employs around four million people. Women make up an estimated 60 to 70 per cent of its workforce, making the industry a major source of employment and economic opportunity for them.