Following over two weeks of unrest in the garment sector regarding minimum wages, a return to normalcy has commenced, with nearly all factories reopening and workers resuming their duties.
Faruque Hassan, the President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), mentioned that only a few factories in Ashulia are yet to reopen, but preparations are underway for their imminent resumption.
Expressing optimism, Hassan stated, “I hope all the factories will reopen by tomorrow as the workers are coming back to their workplaces.” However, he noted that workers from one or two garment factories in Mirpur did not report to work, engaging in a demonstration at Mirpur 10 in Dhaka.
A segment of workers, dissatisfied with the minimum monthly wage announced on 7th November by a government-formed board, continues to demand Taka 23,000.
The minimum wage board has increased the minimum wage for garment workers to Taka 12,500, equivalent to approximately US $ 113.63, effective from 1st December, with workers receiving salaries under the new structure starting January.
