Bangladesh Forms Wage Board as Garment Worker Protests Continue

Bangladesh has formed a six-member wage board to review the minimum wages of garment workers after demonstrations and factory closures disrupted major industrial areas across the country.

The decision was announced on Sunday, November 1, 2026, following protests by workers demanding better pay amid rising living costs. The new board will include representatives of the government, workers and factory owners and is responsible for reviewing the industry's minimum wage structure.

Workers are demanding a minimum monthly salary of 30,000 taka, compared with the current minimum of 12,500 taka. They say rising expenses for food, housing, transport and healthcare have made it increasingly difficult to manage household costs.

However, the government's announcement has not immediately ended the demonstrations. Thousands of workers continued protesting in industrial areas around Dhaka and Gazipur. Police used tear gas and water cannon to disperse some demonstrations, while workers blocked roads and disrupted traffic.

Authorities said around 25 to 30 factories were closed during the latest unrest. Police also reported clashes that injured several people, including officers. Border Guard Bangladesh personnel were deployed to help maintain order.

The dispute has significant economic implications. Bangladesh's ready-made garment industry employs approximately four million people and generates more than 80% of the country's export earnings. It is also a major supplier to international clothing brands.

Industry representatives have warned that prolonged factory closures and production disruptions could delay export shipments and payments from international buyers, creating additional pressure on manufacturers and workers.

The newly formed wage board is expected to review pay levels and recommend a revised minimum wage. Whether the decision will ease tensions remains uncertain as demonstrations continue.

The situation is developing, with workers, factory owners and government representatives facing pressure to reach an agreement.