
At a seminar organised by the Economic Reporters’ Forum (ERF) on “Current labour issues and international trade scenario,” worker leaders expressed concerns, stating that the recently announced wage board for garment workers is incongruent with the current market dynamics.
The formal declaration on 7th November established a new minimum salary of Taka 12,500 for garment workers after weeks of unrest.
Amirul Haque Amin, president of the National Garment Workers Federation, contended that the wage board lacks international acceptance, including by the International Labour Organization (ILO), and is not endorsed by workers.
He emphasised that Bangladesh, having ratified all eight ILO conventions, need not fear economic or trade sanctions.
Towhidur Rahman, former secretary-general of IndustryALL Bangladesh Council, urged consideration of the diplomatic note from the Bangladesh embassy in Washington DC to the Commerce Ministry, highlighting potential measures like trade penalties and visa restrictions over labour issues.