IndustriAll calls for peace, justice in Bangladesh amid crisis

FE Report
IndustriAll Global Union, a rights group, has called for ensuring peace, democracy and justice in Bangladesh, saying the unprecedented situation in the country is directly affecting the workers, particularly those in the manufacturing industries.
The student protests in Bangladesh have had a severe impact on the country's manufacturing industries, it said in a statement. "The garment sector, in particular, has been hit hard, exacerbating the already fragile conditions for workers and significantly disrupting their livelihoods."
The violent government response to the protests has resulted in over 450 deaths, according to the statement, highlighting the deadly nature of the unrest.
Many women workers have faced harassment and assault, and there has been a severe crackdown on civilian access to information and freedom of expression, including an internet shutdown, added the global rights group.
IndustriALL Bangladesh Council (IBC), made up of IndustriALL affiliates, has engaged with the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) to demand protection of wages by ensuring all workers receive their wages for the curfew period and no job losses, retrenchment, or harassment of workers due to the situation.
Their demands also included the safety and rights of all workers and their families and engagement in dialogue with trade unions, particularly regarding labour law reforms, minimum wages, and employment policies.
The IBC also calls on the government of Bangladesh to restore human rights and equity for victims of state violence, including fair compensation and improved workplace safety.
Bangladesh's garment workers have long endured difficult conditions, including low wages, unsafe working environment and suppression of labour rights.
The IBC said the minimum wage protests since 2023 have seen many workers and trade union activists arrested and subjected to violence, including police brutality. It is a time to build a sustainable future for the RMG sector with proper wages and working conditions.
IBC president AM Nazim Uddin, in the statement, said: "Workers and their families have been severely affected by the recent unrest, blockades, and curfew. Hundreds of thousands of precarious workers, including those in the garment, chemical, and shipbreaking industries, have lost their earnings in recent days."
Commodity prices have also surged, he said, adding that they appeal to the interim government, led by Dr Mohammad Yunus, to restore and uphold human rights and to ensure the development of human-centred policies.
"The situation in Bangladesh is heartbreaking. We're deeply saddened by the loss of lives during the unrest. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims, and everyone affected by this violence." IndustriAll general secretary Atle Høie said.
It's alarming that Bangladesh is among the ten worst countries for working people, according to the 2024 ITUC Global Rights Index, he said.
He added that it is time for the interim government to restore rule of law and respect freedom of speech, honour its commitments to international human rights bodies, including the ILO, and engage in meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders, including trade unions.
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