Garment workers’ wage protests turn violent in Bangladesh
Bangladesh garment workers' wage protests turned violent Sunday in Dhaka and Gazipur, despite the government forming a six-member wage board and urging workers to return, Reuters reported. Workers are demanding a monthly minimum wage increase from 12,500 taka to 30,000 taka, according to The Times of India. ANI reported protesters vandalised police outposts and set police vehicles on fire.
More context
Garment-worker protests over pay turned violent in Bangladesh on Sunday, as workers continued demonstrations despite the government’s formation of a wage board. Workers are demanding that the monthly minimum wage rise from 12,500 taka to 30,000 taka. The unrest began Saturday and escalated Sunday in industrial areas including Mirpur in Dhaka and Konabari in Gazipur, where clashes, vandalism and road blockades were reported. Asian News International reported that protesters vandalised police outposts and set police vehicles on fire. Authorities deployed police and Border Guard Bangladesh personnel. Reuters reported that the government announced a six-member board to review garment workers’ pay and urged employees to return to work. The Times of India and ANI reported that protests continued after the board was formed. The garment sector accounts for more than 80% of Bangladesh’s export earnings.
Was this story useful?
What was the main problem? (optional)
Reporting
- The Times of India — Violent protests rock Bangladesh garment hubs as workers demand a steep pay hike - The Times of India
- Asian News International — Bangladesh garment workers’ wage protests turn violent, police outposts vandalised, BGB deployed
- Reuters — Bangladesh forms wage board as garment protests turn ...
Verifier’s note
Reuters reports the wage board’s formation amid garment-worker protests, and ANI directly reports that the protests turned violent while the board was formed. The Times of India reports the same event but appears to repeat ANI’s account.