In view of ongoing and sometimes violent protests by textile workers in Bangladesh for higher salaries, around 175 factories have temporarily stopped production. Protesters damaged factories, buses and shops in the industrial districts of Gazipur and Ashulia near the capital Dhaka, a police spokesman told the German Press Agency on Thursday.
In the north of the capital Dhaka, the police said they used tear gas on Thursday to disperse around 3,000 protesters. Three protesters were arrested. Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association president Faruque Hassan called on the government to strengthen security at factories. Bangladesh is considered the second largest clothing producer in the world after China.
The background to the protests is the negotiations currently taking place in the country between representatives of the unions and factory owners about an upcoming salary increase. Most recently, factory owners suggested a minimum salary of 10,400 taka per month – the equivalent of 89 euros. However, in view of the rising cost of living, the trade unionists demanded almost twice as much. Since 2018, there has been a minimum salary of 8,000 taka (69 euros).
Almost four million people – mostly women – work in around 3,500 factories in the country. From there the textiles are exported primarily to western countries. For Bangladesh, textile work is considered one of the most important sources of income. (dpa)