The recent wave of labor unrest in Bangladesh’s garment sector arose due to delayed salary payments by a few factory owners. In September, protests were temporarily quelled when owners agreed to an 18-point demand list from workers. However, thousands of T&Z Group workers resumed demonstrations, blocking a major highway for over 53 hours, demanding three months of unpaid wages. Similarly, workers from Crony Group factories blocked another key road in Narayanganj, causing disruptions.
Authorities deployed police, army, and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) to manage the unrest, leading many factories to suspend operations. The labor ministry reported that 19 factories were facing financial strain, with some owners either absent, in jail, or unable to secure bank loans. Union leaders highlighted that workers’ financial hardship is exacerbated by high inflation and irregular wage payments, pushing them to desperate actions.
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