Thousands of garment workers blocked a major highway and clashed with police, demanding a monthly minimum wage more than double their current pay, as protests spread across industrial hubs.
The South Asian nation of 170 million people is the world’s second-biggest garment exporter behind China, manufacturing clothes for some of the largest international brands.
Hundreds of workers in Gazipur, north of the capital Dhaka, blocked the Dhaka-Tangail highway yesterday, vandalising several vehicles, while large groups took to the streets in the Mirpur district, where police dispersed demonstrators with tear gas, AFP reporters saw.
Angry workers also set fire to a police vehicle.
The protests came despite the government’s announcement on Sunday that it would establish a wage board to review the minimum wage in the vital garment industry, which employs millions of people and generates the bulk of Bangladesh’s export earnings.
However, labour leaders say workers’ grievances extend beyond the formation of the board, citing inflation and rising household expenses.
The protesters demand a 30,000-taka monthly wage (RM962), more than double their current pay.
Workers currently earn about 13,000 taka (RM416) a month, according to Kalpona Akter of the Bangladesh Center for Workers Solidarity.
“Food prices, cooking gas and electricity bills have all gone up –the government must either bring down the prices of essential commodities or raise our wages,” said Mamum, 28, a factory worker.
Machine operator Sharmin, 24, said, “We keep the wheels of the economy turning. They must listen to us.”
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed warned that the government was taking strong action to stop the protests.
“Those engaging in unlawful activities and conspiracies under the guise of labour movements will be tackled with an iron hand,” he said. — AFP
