Bangladesh garment factories reopen, fresh clashes keep industry on edge
SPY•Bangladesh garment factories reopened on Monday, but clashes continued as workers demanded a minimum monthly wage of 30,000 taka, up from 12,500 taka. Sunday’s demonstrations disrupted operations at 529 factories and affected nearly 1 million workers, the industry association said.
1. Clashes continue
Bangladesh garment factories reopened on Monday, but police reported fresh clashes with workers demanding higher wages in Dhaka and nearby industrial hubs. Police used tear gas and water cannon to disperse protesters, and authorities deployed Border Guard Bangladesh personnel in Gazipur.
2. Wage demands and disruption
Workers are seeking a minimum monthly wage of 30,000 taka, up from 12,500 taka. The government formed a six-member wage board on Sunday to review the demand. The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association said demonstrations disrupted operations at 529 factories on Sunday and affected nearly 1 million workers.
3. Industry pressures
The garment sector accounts for more than 80% of Bangladesh’s export earnings, employs about 4 million people and accounts for about 10% of the country’s economic output. Factory owners cited higher costs, energy market uncertainty linked to conflict in the Middle East and slowing demand in key export markets. The association’s president said factory owners could invoke a “no work, no pay” provision if protests force closures.
