Government Reaffirms Commitment to Fair Garment Wages, Warns Against Industry Disruption

Mahdi Amin, Adviser to the Prime Minister and spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, said the government remains focused on protecting workers’ interests while maintaining the long-term sustainability of the country’s largest export industry.

Amin stressed that the garment sector supports millions of workers, employees, and supply-chain participants, making it a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s economy. He said workers deserve their rightful wages, but decisions on wage adjustments must also take into account production costs, operational realities, and the industry’s ability to remain competitive in global markets.

The government recently initiated the formation of a minimum wage board to review and determine salaries for garment workers. However, Amin expressed concern that some groups were continuing to fuel unrest despite the ongoing process.

According to him, while peaceful demands and constructive dialogue are part of a healthy labour environment, acts of violence, vandalism, and sabotage cannot be justified and risk harming both workers and businesses.

Amin warned that efforts to use wage-related demonstrations as a tool to create instability within the garment sector could jeopardise jobs, investment, and Bangladesh’s reputation in international markets.

The remarks come at a time when garment workers in several industrial areas have been demanding a minimum monthly wage of Tk30,000, leading to demonstrations and disruptions in parts of Dhaka and other manufacturing hubs.

Industry analysts note that the ready-made garment sector is one of Bangladesh’s most important economic drivers, contributing significantly to export earnings and providing employment to millions of people across the country.

The government says it remains committed to finding a balanced solution that protects workers’ welfare while ensuring the sector remains globally competitive and economically sustainable.