DHAKA, November 1, 2026: Bangladesh is witnessing growing labour unrest as thousands of garment workers take to the streets demanding a substantial increase in their monthly minimum wages. The demonstrations have disrupted production, blocked major roads and forced dozens of factories to suspend operations, putting additional pressure on one of the country’s most important export industries.

Workers are demanding a minimum monthly salary of 30,000 Bangladeshi taka, more than twice the existing minimum wage of 12,500 taka. They argue that rising prices of food, housing, transportation and healthcare have made it increasingly difficult to support their families on current earnings.

In response to the escalating situation, the government has announced plans to establish a new wage board to review workers’ salaries and address the growing dispute.

Protests Spread Across Major Industrial Areas

The demonstrations intensified on Saturday, October 31, spreading across several important garment manufacturing centres, including Mirpur in Dhaka, Ashulia in Savar and Kaliakoir in Gazipur.

Hundreds of workers gathered at major intersections, blocked roads and temporarily interrupted transportation services.

In Ashulia, approximately 30 garment factories declared holidays as the protests disrupted normal operations. Additional factory closures were reported in Gazipur and the greater Mirpur area.

The demonstrations created significant traffic congestion, affecting commuters, businesses and transportation networks.

Clashes With Police Leave Several People Injured

Tensions increased when protesters and law enforcement personnel clashed in parts of Ashulia and Gazipur.

According to police reports, several officers and workers sustained injuries during the confrontations. Security personnel reportedly used tear gas and sound grenades to disperse demonstrators and restore traffic movement.

There were also reports of vandalism involving nearby industrial properties during the unrest.

Authorities continued monitoring the situation as demonstrations spread between different manufacturing zones.

Workers Say Existing Salaries Are No Longer Enough

Garment workers say their demands are driven by the growing gap between monthly earnings and household expenses.

Many employees work long shifts and depend on overtime payments to meet basic financial needs. However, increasing rental costs, food prices and transportation expenses have reduced the amount workers can save or spend on other essential requirements.

Workers believe that increasing the minimum wage to 30,000 taka would provide greater financial security and improve living conditions.

Their demands have also raised broader questions about labour rights, workplace conditions and fair compensation in Bangladesh’s export-oriented manufacturing sector.

Government Moves Towards Establishing a New Wage Board

Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury has announced that the government plans to formally establish a new wage board on November 1.

The proposed board will review salary structures through discussions involving labour representatives, factory owners and government officials.

The minister has urged workers to return to their workplaces, arguing that the decision to establish the board addresses one of their central demands.

However, the final minimum wage has not yet been decided, meaning workers’ demand for 30,000 taka remains under consideration rather than an approved salary increase.

Bangladesh’s Export Industry Faces Growing Pressure

The garment manufacturing sector is a major pillar of Bangladesh’s economy.

The industry employs approximately four million people and contributes more than 80% of the country’s total export earnings.

It also supplies clothing to numerous international fashion retailers and global brands.

Prolonged factory shutdowns could delay production schedules, international shipments and payments from overseas buyers.

Manufacturers are already dealing with rising production expenses, energy shortages and uncertainty in international markets.

What Happens Next?

The proposed wage board could become an important step towards resolving the dispute between garment workers and factory owners.

Its recommendations will be closely watched by employees, manufacturers, international buyers and labour organisations.

The government faces the challenge of balancing workers’ demands for better salaries with the financial pressures affecting the manufacturing industry.

For Bangladesh, the outcome of the wage dispute will have consequences beyond factory floors. It could influence employment conditions, export performance and the country’s position in the global clothing market.