Bangladesh Garment Workers Secure Key Labor Agreement

Representatives from readymade garment manufacturers and workers have successfully negotiated an agreement on 18 key demands to address labor concerns. The consensus was reached after extensive discussions on Tuesday at the Labour Ministry’s conference room.

Labour Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan announced that all demands were addressed, warning that any further unrest would lead to legal action. Unlike the previous government, which dismissed worker concerns, this administration thoroughly reviewed the issues and approved reasonable demands while committing to assess the rest based on committee recommendations.

Labour Ministry Secretary AHM Safiqzzaman confirmed that all industrial factories would reopen tomorrow.

Key agreements include:

• Implementation of the existing minimum wage by October.
• Settlement of outstanding payments by October 10.
• Increases in attendance bonuses (Tk225), night shift bonuses (Tk10), and tiffin allowances (Tk10 after 8:00 p.m.).
• Access to rations for workers in labor-heavy regions through the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) and Open Market Sales (OMS).
• Extension of maternity leave from 112 to 120 days and establishment of daycare centers in all factories.

A joint committee will evaluate the formation of a new minimum wage board within six months, while the Ministry will oversee the Jhut (fabric scrap) business to ensure benefits support worker welfare.

The law ministry will resolve outstanding legal cases against workers, and compensation will be provided to families of those who died during past unrest. Efforts to eliminate gender discrimination in the garment industry are also underway, along with compensation for victims of the Tazreen Fashion and Rana Plaza tragedies.

The Labour Act will be amended by December to enforce service benefits and provident funds in all garment factories.

Bhuiyan reiterated that the industry will resume operations on Wednesday, warning of government action against any violations. BGMEA President Khandaker Rafiqul Islam acknowledged the challenges of meeting all demands but emphasized the industry’s future.

IndustriALL Bangladesh Council Secretary General Kutubuddin Ahmed urged cooperation and a return to work, while Industrial Police DIG Md Sigbat Ullah called for ongoing dialogue to prevent unrest. Colonel Mohiuddin of the 9th Division of the Bangladesh Army also urged workers to return, warning of strict consequences for future disruptions.