Wage protests force hundreds of Bangladesh garment factories to close
Violent protests over low wages have forced hundreds of garment factories in Bangladesh to close. Workers are demanding a significant pay increase to cope with the rising cost of living, threatening a vital sector of the national economy.
Why it matters
As a major global garment exporter, the unrest in Bangladesh highlights the tension between low-cost manufacturing and the basic economic needs of the workforce.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Protests turned violent with protesters blocking roads, vandalising factories and setting vehicles on fire
Hundreds of garment factories in Bangladesh have been forced to closed after days-long protests by workers demanding higher wages.
On Sunday, protests in the capital Dhaka turned violent with protesters blocking roads, vandalising factories and setting vehicles on fire. They also clashed with police, who fired tear gas to disperse them. Police later said that dozens of protesters had been arrested.
Workers are demanding a minimum monthly wage of 30,000 taka ($242; £180), more than double the current standard, citing rising costs of living.
Bangladesh's textile industry employs around four million workers and manufactures garments for major global brands including H&M, Primark and Uniqlo.
There are fears in the industry that the prolonged unrest could disrupt production and affect international buyers, state news agency BSS reported.
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2 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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