Bangladesh Sets Up Wage Board as Garment Workers Protest

Workers want the monthly minimum raised from 12,500 to 30,000 taka as living costs climb

Bangladesh formed a six-member wage board on 1 November to review the minimum wage for garment workers. It includes representatives of the government, factory owners and workers.

The move followed days of protests around Dhaka. Workers are asking for 30,000 taka (about $242) a month, more than double the current 12,500 taka (about $101) set in 2023.

Why this hits home:

1. Garments earn the bulk of Bangladesh's exports and make up about 10% of its GDP
2. Workers say food, rent, transport and healthcare costs have eaten into their pay
3. A new minimum wage is expected to take effect in January 2027

Every garment carries the hours of the person who stitched it. A fair price on the rack starts with a fair wage at the machine. When a deal looks too cheap, ask who paid the difference.