Amnesty calls for investigation amidst clashes in Bangladesh garment industry

Amnesty International is urging authorities to stop violently suppressing workers’ right to protest. They call for an immediate investigation into the reported deaths of workers, emphasizing the need to hold those responsible accountable for their actions. Bangladesh garment workers had previously clashed with the police during demonstrations concerning the minimum wage, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least two workers, according to reports.

Amnesty International points out the significant gap between the new minimum wage of Taka 12,500 and the recommended living wage, estimated at around Taka 51,000 by the Asia Floor Wage Alliance and Taka 33,368 by the Bangladesh Institute for Labour Studies. They highlight the inadequacy of the current wage structure in meeting basic living costs.

The organization urges the Bangladesh Government to ensure that garment workers can freely exercise their right to association without facing repression. The organization also calls on fashion brands sourcing from Bangladesh to fulfill their commitments to uphold labor rights and ensure workers in their supply chain receive a living wage.