Following the garment industry labor unrest in various parts of Bangladesh over minimum wages, the Minister for Labour assured workers that the minimum wage would be set higher than that proposed by the Minimum Wage Board.
Thousands of apparel sector workers are protesting against the decision of the Minimum Wage Board to adopt Taka 10,400 as against the minimum monthly wage of Taka 20,393 demanded by workers.
In a press conference hurriedly organized at the Ministry of Labour, Minister Begum Monnujan Sufian said that the minimum wage would be set higher than what was proposed.
The Minister also urged the agitated workers to return to work and not be confused by anyone’s words. There is a meeting of the Minimum Wage Board on November 1. All stakeholders concerned will discuss these issues there and wages will be fixed by November 30, the Minister added.
The Minister stated that there was still a month to go to determine the wages and gave an assurance that the government would arrange for an acceptable wage.
“In Bangladesh, the Minimum Wage Board makes a recommendation, which is passed on to the Labour Ministry after which it is sent to the Prime Minister. The PM usually hikes the amount,” the Minister explained. “This method must be followed and it must be accepted by all, Monnujan Sufian observed.
