Worker unrest erupted in the Ashulia industrial area as garment workers demanded either a minimum wage of Tk 25,000 or a reduction in working hours to five per day. Following protests after lunch, at least 49 factories in the area shut down. The protests began with workers from Dekko Group and spread to Envoy and IDS Group factories. Workers also blocked roads, demanding the reopening of closed factories and the withdrawal of cases filed against them.
Currently, the minimum wage is Tk 12,500, with an 8-hour workday. Workers are also asking for full basic salary as service benefits for resignations with two months’ notice after a year of service.
In response, the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) met with factory owners, deciding to offer a “golden handshake” to release workers involved in the protests. This would provide workers with compensation, including four months’ basic salary and additional benefits per year of service.
BGMEA stressed that the factory owners had already agreed to an 18-point demand from workers, and those continuing protests with new demands would face legal action. Law enforcement agencies were also instructed to take action against individuals responsible for escalating the unrest.
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