Garment workers in Bangladesh blocked streets around major factory hubs and busy roads on Tuesday for the third consecutive day of protests.
The demonstrations hit industrial areas including Savar, Gazipur, and Ashulia, alongside the Mirpur neighbourhood. Protesters demand a minimum monthly wage of 30,000 taka, or 243 US dollars. This is more than double the current standard wage of 101 dollars as workers struggle with soaring living costs.
Clashes broke out between protesters and police in several locations. Officers reported multiple arrests during the unrest.
Authorities stated on Monday that about 50 men had been taken into custody. This group included members of the banned Awami League party, which was led by ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The demonstrations also disrupted public transport. Two Dhaka Metrorail stations temporarily closed for several hours after confrontations between protesters and police.
Business owners responded to security risks by suspending operations. At least 50 factory owners in Gazipur announced that employees would get leave due to the ongoing unrest.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed addressed the situation in Dhaka. He stated that the demands of the workforce had already been met and noted that a wage board was formed for this purpose.
Discussions took place with nearly all representatives of both employees and factory owners. Ahmed maintained that both sides were satisfied with the outcome.
He warned that legal action would follow against anyone trying to force garment factories to shut down. Authorities will work to reopen closed facilities as soon as possible.
The ready-made garment industry in Bangladesh generates over 38 billion dollars and ranks as the world’s second-largest exporter behind China.
The sector forms the primary economic pillar of the country. It employs about four million people, accounts for more than 80 percent of total exports, and contributes 7.82 percent to nominal gross domestic product.
