Amongst the various challenges and developments that have impacted Bangladesh in 2024 and can impact in 2025 also, wage hike is one of the most prominent. A report by the Ministry of Labour and Employment says that over 99 per cent of factories under the BGMEA have implemented the previous minimum wage, as promised by the factory owners. But the issue is not completely settled.
Recently, the Government appointed three new permanent representatives to the Minimum Wage Board. In order to have the power to supervise the application of the wages established for workers in the industrial sector, the Minimum Wage Board is pushing for major changes in the nation’s labour laws. The Wage Board has proposed changes to guarantee that a worker’s basic pay increases by at least 5 per cent per year and that it represents at least 50 per cent of their gross compensation.
Decision on new wage for RMG workers will be cleared by April 2025 when a committee will submit its recommendations on the feasibility and imperatives regarding the implementation of minimum wage to the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
This survey is an effort to bring out the industry’s real views, suggestions and the challenges faced by them in making the new minimum wage effective.
