Bangladesh garment workers’ protests over pay forced hundreds of factories to stop production again on Nov. 2, as clashes with police disrupted industrial areas and raised concerns about export delays.
Reuters reported that 679 factories stopped production after workers demanded a minimum monthly wage of 30,000 taka, up from 12,500 taka. Workers blocked roads. According to police, workers threw bricks and stones at officers.
Police used tear gas to disperse demonstrators. The Business Standard separately reported that at least 690 factories had suspended production. The same report said more than 1.7 million workers were employed at the affected plants.
The wage demand reflects rising living costs. The dispute continued despite the government forming a six-member board to review pay. Bangladesh’s garment industry employs about four million people.
It generates more than 80% of the country’s export earnings. This makes prolonged disruptions a concern for manufacturers and international buyers. Factories had reopened on Monday after earlier shutdowns.
Fresh clashes and renewed suspensions showed that operations remained fragile.