Bangladesh garment factories disrupted as protests continue for third day

What the report says

Garment factories across Bangladesh were disrupted on Monday as worker protests over pay and living costs entered a third day, according to Al Jazeera and Reuters. The unrest has affected industrial areas including Mirpur in Dhaka, as well as Savar, Ashulia and Gazipur, with a heavy police presence reported in the capital. The garment sector is Bangladesh’s biggest export industry, and the reporting said hundreds of factories were facing interruptions while some 500 had been temporarily shut since the demonstrations began on Saturday.

Workers are demanding a higher minimum wage, saying current pay has not kept pace with inflation and the rising cost of living. The article said protesters are calling for a monthly minimum of 30,000 taka, compared with the present wage of 12,500 taka. Police have used tear gas and sound grenades in efforts to disperse crowds, while thousands of workers have taken to the streets.

In response, Bangladesh formed a new wage board on Sunday to review minimum pay for garment workers, and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman held an emergency meeting with ministers and advisers, according to the report. The move comes as factory owners and labor representatives debate the industry’s pressures, including higher costs and slower demand in some export markets. Worker leaders say Bangladesh still has some of the lowest garment wages globally, while manufacturers argue they want the review process to continue without further disruption.