Unrest in Bangladesh | 150 Garment Factories Shuttered | 11,000 Workers Face Charges

Unrest in Bangladesh |  150 Garment Factories Shuttered |  11,000 Workers Face Charges

Unrest in Bangladesh | 150 Garment Factories Shuttered | 11,000 Workers Face Charges

Introduction : 

Bangladesh, a hub for garment production, faced a severe crisis as 150 factories closed indefinitely amid violent protests for a higher minimum wage. Police responded with blanket charges against 11,000 workers.

Garment Industry Dominance : 

Bangladesh's 3,500 garment factories contribute significantly to the country's annual exports, constituting 85% of a $55 billion industry. Renowned global brands like Levi's, Zara, and H&M heavily rely on these manufacturing units.

Plight of Workers : 

Despite the industry's economic prowess, conditions for the four million workers, predominantly women earning a monthly starting wage of $75, have been dire. Recent protests for better pay resulted in fatalities, damages to over 70 factories, and heightened tensions.

Failed Resolution Attempts : 

A government-appointed panel increased the sector's wage by 56.25% to 12,500 taka. However, workers rejected this, demanding a minimum wage of 23,000 taka. Protests intensified, culminating in clashes involving 15,000 workers and the ransacking of key factories.

Blanket Charges and Factory Closures : 

Police responded with a controversial tactic, filing cases against 11,000 unidentified individuals linked to the violence. In response, 150 factories in Ashulia and Gazipur closed indefinitely, invoking labor laws and citing illegal strikes.

A Challenging Landscape for the Prime Minister : 

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina faces a significant challenge as the unrest disrupts the country. A resurgent opposition adds pressure ahead of elections scheduled for the end of January.

Escalation in Industrial Hubs : 

Ashulia and Gazipur, major industrial towns north of Dhaka, witnessed the closure of 130 factories due to escalating fears of further strikes. The manufacturing hub's police chief, Sarwar Alam, highlighted the use of Section 13/1 of labor laws to justify the closures.

Escalation and Response : 

Tensions escalated in Ashulia, home to some of Bangladesh's largest factories, with clashes resulting in police firing rubber bullets and tear gas at protesting workers. At least 20 factories also closed in Gazipur, the country's largest industrial zone.

Warnings and Defiance : 

Prime Minister Hasina warned against continued protests, threatening job loss for those participating. Unions, however, defied these warnings, emphasizing that the wage hike did not align with rising living costs, dismissing it as a "poverty wage."

International Concerns : 

Internationally, concerns grew as Washington condemned violence against protesting workers. Human rights groups cautioned against the mass filing of cases, asserting that it provided authorities with a license to target innocent protesters.

Conclusion : 

The ongoing unrest in Bangladesh's garment industry reflects deep-rooted issues of worker exploitation and economic disparity. As the nation grapples with factory closures, clashes, and legal actions, finding a sustainable resolution becomes imperative for the well-being of millions and the stability of the industry.

Content Source Courtesy : 

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/economy/150-bangladesh-garment-factories-shut-11000-workers-charged-11724981.html/amp

https://www.barrons.com/articles/150-bangladesh-garment-factories-shut-11-000-workers-charged-71010e84

https://www.manchestertimes.com/news/national/150-bangladesh-garment-factories-shut-11-000-workers-charged/article_bc032f6d-a37d-56f1-887a-c826d6b2fd5f.html