Bangladesh Garment Factories Reopen as Tk 30,000 Wage Protests Continue

Garment factories in Bangladesh began reopening on Monday, November 2, but protests over wages continued in industrial areas, leaving uncertainty over production and transport as the government starts reviewing workers’ pay demands.

Workers are demanding a minimum monthly wage of Tk 30,000, up from the current Tk 12,500. The dispute has disrupted factory operations, blocked roads and raised concerns about the impact on export orders in one of Bangladesh’s most important industries.

The government formed a six-member minimum wage board on Sunday to recommend a revised wage structure. However, the board’s creation does not mean workers’ demand has been accepted, and demonstrations continued after the announcement.

Protests continue despite wage board

On Monday morning, garment workers again blocked the Dhaka–Tangail highway in the Palli Bidyut area of Gazipur. The blockade began at around 8:30am, according to local reporting, with thousands of workers gathering in the area and disrupting traffic.

Industrial police and other law enforcement agencies were working to restore movement and bring the situation under control.

The latest demonstrations followed unrest on Sunday across parts of Dhaka, Gazipur, Savar and Ashulia. Clashes, arson and road blockades accompanied the wage protests, while hundreds of factories suspended operations or declared holidays.

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) reported disruptions affecting 529 factories on November 1, with approximately 987,190 workers leaving their workplaces. These figures describe the previous day’s disruption, rather than permanent closures or job losses.

Reuters reported on Monday that factories had begun reopening, although concerns remained about renewed unrest and its effects on production.

What will the wage board do?

The six-member board brings together representatives of workers, employers, the government and independent members. It has been tasked with reviewing the minimum wage structure for the ready-made garment sector.