Bangladesh workers clash with police in protests over low pay
News Source
β’Sun, 01 Nov 2026 16:52:42 +0000
π° What Happened
Dozens of garment workers in Bangladesh clashed with police in the capital, Dhaka, on Sunday. They were protesting against low pay and the rising cost of living. Officers moved in as the crowd blocked streets in the city.
Workers say their wages no longer cover rent, food and transport. Many are women who feed families on a monthly salary of a few thousand taka. Rice, cooking oil and fuel have all become more expensive.
The clothing industry is the backbone of the country's economy. It brings in most of Bangladesh's export money and employs about four million people.
π The Backstory
Bangladesh is the world's second-largest exporter of clothes after China. Big brands in Europe and the US buy shirts, trousers and jackets made in its factories. That trade helped the country grow for thirty years.
The work is hard and badly paid. In 2023, weeks of protests won a higher minimum wage, but workers say factories find ways around it. Many say overtime is forced and safety is weak.
Unions want a bigger rise and steady hours. Factory owners say thin profits and fewer orders limit what they can pay.
π― Why It Matters
Your clothes often start in factories like these. When pay falls behind prices, millions of workers struggle, and the pressure can reach the brands you buy from.
Dozens of garment workers in Bangladesh clashed with police in the capital, Dhaka, on Sunday. They were protesting against low pay and the rising cost of living. Officers moved in as the crowd blocked streets in the city.
Workers say their wages no longer cover rent, food and transport. Many are women who feed families on a monthly salary of a few thousand taka. Rice, cooking oil and fuel have all become more expensive.
The clothing industry is the backbone of the country's economy. It brings in most of Bangladesh's export money and employs about four million people.
Bangladesh is the world's second-largest exporter of clothes after China. Big brands in Europe and the US buy shirts, trousers and jackets made in its factories. That trade helped the country grow for thirty years.
The work is hard and badly paid. In 2023, weeks of protests won a higher minimum wage, but workers say factories find ways around it. Many say overtime is forced and safety is weak.
Unions want a bigger rise and steady hours. Factory owners say thin profits and fewer orders limit what they can pay.
Your clothes often start in factories like these. When pay falls behind prices, millions of workers struggle, and the pressure can reach the brands you buy from.