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In a stern response to the escalating crisis in Bangladesh garment industry, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has firmly dismissed any additional pay increases for protesting workers, despite violent clashes with law enforcement and widespread factory ransacking.
The garment sector, comprising 3,500 factories and contributing to a staggering 85 percent of Bangladesh's annual $55 billion exports, is crucial to the nation's economy. Renowned global brands like Levi's, Zara, and H&M source their products from these factories. However, the conditions for the industry's four million workers, predominantly women, are dire, with starting monthly wages as low as 8,300 taka.
A government-appointed panel recently announced a 56.25 percent wage hike, raising the minimum monthly pay to 12,500 taka ($113). This decision was met with dissatisfaction from the workers who were demanding a substantial increase to 23,000 taka across all plants.
Addressing a gathering of her ruling Awami League party on Thursday, Prime Minister Hasina urged the garment workers to accept the revised wages, stating, "they have to work with whatever their salary is increased, they should continue their work."
The ongoing protests have taken a grim toll, with at least three workers losing their lives and over 70 factories being ransacked since the unrest began last week, according to police reports. The situation not only highlights the deep-rooted challenges within the garment industry but also raises questions about the broader socio-economic impact as the government takes a firm stance in the face of worker demands. The international community closely watches, as the ripple effects of this crisis could extend beyond Bangladesh's borders.
