Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader has accused the government of employing excessive force to suppress ongoing protests by ready-made garment workers demanding a minimum monthly wage of 30,000 BDT. Expressing solidarity with the movement in an official press statement released on Wednesday, 4 November, Quader condemned the administrative crackdown and urged authorities to demonstrate sympathy towards the workers’ legitimate grievances rather than relying on state-sponsored repression.
The opposition leader emphasised that the ready-made garment sector generates the vast majority of Bangladesh’s export earnings. High inflation and skyrocketing prices for essential commodities, house rent, utility bills, medical care, and cooking fuel have made it virtually impossible for millions of labourers to survive on the existing wage structure. This severe economic distress has compelled garment workers to take to the streets in pursuit of a livable wage.
Quader alleged that law enforcement agencies have resorted to physical abuse and arbitrary arrests targeting not only protesting workers but also local residents and professionals living in industrial zones. Citing media reports, he highlighted the death of Toufiq, a garment worker in Gazipur who succumbed to injuries sustained during police action. Condemning the fatal violence, the Jatiya Party chief demanded fair compensation for the victim’s family and a complete halt to physical intimidation.
Addressing the plight of factory owners, Quader noted that the garment industry faces severe operational challenges. Substantial increases in electricity and gas tariffs, coupled with frequent energy shortages, have crippled production capacity. Additionally, banking sector instability, rising raw material costs, supply chain disruptions, and port mismanagement have placed factory owners under immense financial strain. Coupled with global economic headwinds caused by conflicts in the Middle East, manufacturers struggle to absorb wage increases whilst remaining competitive in international markets.
Describing the demands of both workers and factory owners as legitimate, Quader proposed that the government step in with direct subsidies to bridge the gap. He urged the administration to establish a special rationing system or provide direct cash assistance to deliver essential food items—including rice, lentils, flour, edible oil, sugar, salt, and LPG cooking gas—at subsidised rates, either through factory management or directly to the workers.
