Meet RMG workers' demand

Bangladesh's economy remains heavily dependent on the ready-made garments industry (RMG) for jobs in manufacturing, foreign reserves and empowering women. The industry contributes a major portion to the country's GDP. More than 4,600 RMG factories in our country represent its largest industrial sector. More than 84 per cent of our total exports come from the RMG sector and the RMG sector directly employs 4.1 million people, according to the World Bank. However, this sector often turns violent over the workers' minimum wage. Recently, a total of four workers including a female have been killed in the space of two weeks while protesting against the wage board's decision to raise the minimum wage to Tk 12,500 from Tk 8,000. The workers proposed a minimum wage of Tk 20,393 while the owners proposed it at Tk 10,400, sparking labour unrest. As many as 150 RMG factories in the country have reportedly suspended operations indefinitely due to the ongoing workers' protest for higher wages.

The RMG industry's strategy appears to supply high-quality products to the global market at low price. This is possible because cheap labour is available in the country. We know that women workers contribute the most to the garment industry. But currently, the number of women workers is decreasing day by day. While Bangladesh is at the second position of exporting RMG products, the salary and facilities are seemingly at the bottom among all the countries. According to a survey, the monthly average income of workers excluding overtime was Tk 9,984 between April and June this year. In the context of soaring inflation, it is a very meagre amount of money. And a family of four or five can never lead a life with this amount of money. Therefore, the demand of the workers should be implemented. As a result, the workers and their families will be able to manage their families a little better. The present situation requires a compromise between the employers and the workers in a positive state so that the workers do not need to take to the streets again to get their just demands realised. As the economic security of the country depends on the future of the garment industry, the demand of the workers should be met as soon as possible.

Ashikujaman Syed,

Foreign Service Officer,

Anhui Haikang Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd,

Anqing, China