Bangladesh: Manufactures agree to raise garment workers’ wages Jan. 13 /update 3

Event

On Sunday, January 14, Bangladesh’s commerce minister, Tipu Munshi, announced that garment manufactures have agreed to raise wages for most of their workers. According to Munshi, wages will be increased for workers in six out of the seven pay grades; however, minimum wage will remain at 8000 taka (USD 95) a week. Employees are being asked to return to work peacefully on Monday, January 14, after the agreement was reached. Earlier on Sunday, workers held another protest in Dhaka, blocking a main highway in the Ashulia industrial area. At least 20 people were wounded when police used tear gas and water canons to disperse the crowd.

Context

Garment workers have held regular protest over the past week to demand a higher minimum wage, proper notification of layoffs, and increased wages for older workers. At least one worker has been killed during the demonstrations, which have turned violent at times.

Advice

Individuals in Dhaka and the surrounding areas are advised to monitor the situation and avoid all protests due to the risk of violence.