Bangladesh forms wage board as garment workers protest
Summary
Bangladesh formed a six-member wage board to set a new minimum wage for garment workers, but protests continued around Dhaka after the announcement. Workers are seeking 30,000 taka a month, more than twice the current minimum, amid rising living costs; clashes with police and factory closures disrupted the sector.Key Facts
- The wage board will include representatives of the government, workers and factory owners.
- Garment workers are demanding a minimum monthly wage of 30,000 taka, compared with the current 12,500 taka.
- Workers said higher food, housing, transport and healthcare costs have reduced their purchasing power.
- Police fired tear gas and sound grenades during protests, and clashes in Ashulia injured workers and police officers.
- About 30 garment factories near Dhaka declared holidays after protests began on Saturday.
- Bangladesh’s garment sector employs millions and generates most of the country’s foreign earnings.
- Bangladesh’s garment industry contributes about 10 percent of the country’s gross domestic product.
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