Bangladesh forms new wage board to review garment workers' pay
The move comes as workers continue demonstrations in industrial areas around Dhaka despite the government's attempt to quell protests.
Bangladesh formed a new wage board on Sunday to review the minimum wage for garment workers, according to the Hindustan Times. The board includes representatives from the government, factory owners, and workers.
The announcement follows protests in industrial areas around Dhaka that led to clashes with police. Authorities used tear gas and sound grenades to manage the demonstrations, which continued on Sunday.
Labour Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury said at a news conference in Dhaka that officials have been discussing the issue with factory owners and labour leaders for the last three days. Choudhury alleged that a group seeking to destabilise the government has been exploiting workers.
Labour leaders stated that their grievances include inflation and rising household expenses. Kalpona Akhter of the Bangladesh Center for Workers Solidarity said workers currently earn about 13,000 taka ($106) a month.
Akhter told AFP that workers are demanding more than 30,000 taka due to the rising cost of living and inflation. The garment sector is a major part of the export-driven economy in Bangladesh.