Protesting Garment Workers Force Closure of Over 500 Factories Demanding Tk 30,000 Minimum Wage

Image: Collected

Production at more than 500 ready-made garment (RMG) factories across Dhaka and surrounding industrial zones ground to a halt following violent demonstrations by garment workers demanding a minimum monthly wage of Tk 30,000.

The widespread disruptions affected key industrial belts, including Mirpur, Gazipur, Savar, and Ashulia. Protesters blocked major highways, paralyzed city traffic, and clashed with law enforcement agencies. Reports of arson and vandalism emerged from multiple locations, where a police vehicle was set ablaze in Mirpur and several factory premises were vandalized. Security personnel, including Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), were deployed in heavily affected areas to restore order.

The violent turn of events follows days of mounting unrest over wages, worker blacklisting, and the reinstatement of dismissed employees. Although the government recently announced the formation of a six-member minimum wage board to review worker salaries, demonstrations continued to intensify.

In response to the deteriorating security situation, numerous factory management authorities declared temporary holidays or shut down operations under safety protocols. Industry leaders warn that continued instability could lead to extended factory closures, while labor representatives have urged factory owners to resolve worker grievances through peaceful dialogue rather than complete shutdowns.

Meanwhile, government authorities have urged all stakeholders to maintain public safety and restore normal operations to prevent further disruption to Bangladesh’s vital export sector.