Jatiya Party Chairman Ghulam Muhammad (GM) Quader has voiced his support for the ongoing movement led by readymade garment (RMG) workers who are advocating for an increase in the minimum wage from Taka 8,000 to Taka 23,000.
Reports maintained this while adding he expressed his solidarity with this justifiable wage hike movement and called upon the authorities to meet the workers’ demands.
In a statement signed by the party’s Press Secretary, Khandaker Delowar Jalali, GM Quader, who also serves as the deputy leader of the opposition party, emphasised the importance of addressing the plight of RMG workers even as he highlighted that these workers, who play a crucial role in earning foreign currency for the country, often lead difficult lives devoid of basic humanity.
Recognising the significant contribution of RMG workers to the nation’s progress, GM Quader reportedly lamented the discrimination they face in a supposedly civilised society.
He recounted the historical context of the RMG industry, where workers initially received meager compensation. Over the years, their minimum wage increased to Taka 5,300 following a movement in 2013 and further to Taka 8,000 in 2018, effective from Pohela Boishakh in 2019.
Expressing his solidarity with the ongoing movement, GM Quader reportedly emphasised that it has become increasingly challenging for individuals to sustain their lives with a wage of Taka 8,000, especially in the face of rising living costs.
He referenced a study conducted by the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) indicating that a four-member family requires Taka 22,421 per month for survival.
In light of this, he reportedly called for the humane acceptance of the demand for a minimum wage of Taka 23,000.
GM Quader reportedly concluded his statement by urging all individuals to demonstrate generosity and empathy towards the RMG workers and their justifiable cause.
