Bangladesh is once again at the heart of the news with demonstrations by workers in the textile industry. Workers are demanding better wages to cope with the rising cost of living and provide for their families. This strike led to the closure of many factories that supply major international brands such as Gap, Walmart, H&M, Zara, Levi’s, Primark, to name just a few.
The police had to intervene to disperse the demonstrators using tear gas, and clashes broke out in some industrial towns, such as Ashulia. Despite this, some factories have reopened their doors, a sign of a tense social climate and a need for continued production to meet global demand.
Bangladesh is the world’s second largest clothing exporter after China, and the textile sector is a key industry for the country. It employs around four million workers, mainly women, and accounts for 85% of the country’s annual exports. Working conditions in these factories are often criticized, with low wages and precarious working conditions.
The workers are demanding an almost tripling of the monthly minimum wage, from 8,300 takas (around 70 euros) to 23,000 takas (around 190 euros). A legitimate request given the economic reality of the country and growing inflation.
The response from the factory owners, represented by the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, unfortunately did not meet the expectations of the workers. They only propose a 25% increase in the minimum wage.
This strike comes in a tense political context, with opposition demonstrations demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina before elections scheduled for the end of January.
It is important to highlight the impact these protests could have on major international brands that source from Bangladesh. Consumers are increasingly sensitive to the working conditions of workers in developing countries. It is possible that this mobilization of Bangladeshi garment workers will lead to increased public awareness and pressure on brands to ensure that working conditions are fair and decent for their suppliers’ employees.
It is essential to support Bangladeshi workers in their fight for better wages and working conditions. Their hard work contributes to the production of clothes we wear every day, so it is essential that we give them the attention and respect they deserve.