The newly established interim administration received an 11-point demand from Bangladesh Textile Workers’ Solidarity, which called for reforms for garment workers and important labourers essential to the nation’s development.

The organisation called for justice for the murder of garment worker Shubho Sheel and six other workers, state honours for all workers killed during clashes centred on the quota reform movement, appropriate compensation for their families, and proper treatment and rehabilitation for the injured at a meeting titled Garment Workers’ Expectations from the Interim Government held at the Jatiya Press Club in the capital.

The group demanded the release of 57 foreign workers who had been detained in the United Arab Emirates in connection with the protests, as well as the quick withdrawal of all repressive cases brought during the 2023 wage hike agitation.

Taslima Akhter, the organisation’s president, emphasised the need for a reform to the minimum wage board and a reconsideration of the demand for a minimum wage of Taka 25,000.

She emphasised the necessity of unions, appropriate childcare facilities for employees’ offspring, a six-month paid maternity leave, and the establishment of anti-sexual harassment complaint units at manufacturing facilities.

The group demanded that a national commission be established to guarantee safe working conditions, that national policy discussions be held about housing, healthcare, education, and equitable retirement benefits, and that rules governing compensation be passed that comply with international norms.

Speakers emphasised how prior Governments had put an end to worker protests, particularly during the 2023 wage movement, and how crucial it is to protect workers’ freedoms of expression and association.