RMG workers in fresh protest, now for 20% annual increment | The Business Standard
Skip to main content
  • Latest
  • Epaper
  • Economy
    • Banking
    • Stocks
    • Industry
    • Analysis
    • Bazaar
    • RMG
    • Corporates
    • Aviation
  • Videos
    • TBS Today
    • TBS Stories
    • TBS World
    • News of the day
    • TBS Programs
    • Podcast
    • Editor's Pick
  • World+Biz
  • Features
    • Panorama
    • The Big Picture
    • Pursuit
    • Habitat
    • Thoughts
    • Splash
    • Mode
    • Tech
    • Explorer
    • Brands
    • In Focus
    • Book Review
    • Earth
    • Food
    • Luxury
    • Wheels
  • More
    • Sports
    • TBS Graduates
    • Bangladesh
    • Supplement
    • Infograph
    • Archive
    • Gallery
    • Long Read
    • Interviews
    • Offbeat
    • Magazine
    • Climate Change
    • Health
    • Cartoons
  • বাংলা
The Business Standard

Tuesday
June 17, 2025

Sign In
Subscribe
  • Latest
  • Epaper
  • Economy
    • Banking
    • Stocks
    • Industry
    • Analysis
    • Bazaar
    • RMG
    • Corporates
    • Aviation
  • Videos
    • TBS Today
    • TBS Stories
    • TBS World
    • News of the day
    • TBS Programs
    • Podcast
    • Editor's Pick
  • World+Biz
  • Features
    • Panorama
    • The Big Picture
    • Pursuit
    • Habitat
    • Thoughts
    • Splash
    • Mode
    • Tech
    • Explorer
    • Brands
    • In Focus
    • Book Review
    • Earth
    • Food
    • Luxury
    • Wheels
  • More
    • Sports
    • TBS Graduates
    • Bangladesh
    • Supplement
    • Infograph
    • Archive
    • Gallery
    • Long Read
    • Interviews
    • Offbeat
    • Magazine
    • Climate Change
    • Health
    • Cartoons
  • বাংলা
TUESDAY, JUNE 17, 2025
RMG workers in fresh protest, now for 20% annual increment

Bangladesh

Jasim Uddin & Noman Mahmud
11 December, 2024, 12:30 pm
Last modified: 12 December, 2024, 12:35 pm

Related News

  • Secretariat staff rally demands repeal of public service ordinance
  • Govt officials to protest at Secretariat tomorrow demanding repeal of Public Service Act
  • Police charge batons, lob sound grenades as non-govt teacher aspirants march to Secretariat
  • Ishraque to ‘provide’ civic services under ‘own supervision’ amid Nagar Bhaban lockdown
  • US cities brace for more protests as parts of Los Angeles placed under curfew

RMG workers in fresh protest, now for 20% annual increment

Workers from 25 garment factories in Ashulia on the outskirts of the capital either stopped operations or walked out today (11 December), according to BGMEA

Jasim Uddin & Noman Mahmud
11 December, 2024, 12:30 pm
Last modified: 12 December, 2024, 12:35 pm
Representational Photo: TBS
Representational Photo: TBS

RMG workers have launched a new wave of protests, demanding an annual increment of up to 20%, just days after the 9% was agreed upon in a tripartite meeting involving labour leaders, entrepreneurs, and government representatives.

Workers from 25 garment factories in Ashulia on the outskirts of the capital either stopped operations or walked out today (11 December), according to BGMEA.

On Monday, the government announced an additional 4% increase to the regular annual increment of 5%. As a result, workers are set to receive a 9% salary increase with their December wages, to be disbursed next month.

The Business Standard Google News Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel

Speaking to The Business Standard, industry insiders and labour leaders highlighted that worker federations lack effective control over labour representatives in the Ashulia zone. 

They also pointed out that certain leaders appear to be politically motivated, leveraging the current law-and-order situation to further their own agendas.

Labour and Employment Adviser M Sakhawat Hossain has said the ongoing industrial unrest, particularly in the RMG sector, has been instigated by members of the ousted Awami League government and their foreign allies.

"The workers are not causing the problems; they are being used to create them. We must remain vigilant against foreign forces that are inciting unrest in the RMG sector," he said at an event in Dhaka today.

Situation in Ashulia

According to the Industrial Police, workers from 25 factories were not causing chaos but have stopped work, with some leaving due to dissatisfaction over the increment.

Industry sources reported that employees from Ha-Meem Group, Sharmin Group, Medlar, Next Collection, Al Muslim, Setara Group, and others have ceased work despite arriving at their factories in the morning.

One source revealed that the protests have forced factories such as Nasa and Trouser Line to close under Section 13(1) of the Labour Act.

Meanwhile, Bando Design declared a general holiday, and workers from Ha-Meem and Knit Asia have already left their premises. Employees at New Age, Deco, Al Muslim, Ethical, and other factories are sitting on the floors and refraining from work.

A worker from Knit Asia told TBS, "For the past three days, there has been unrest in our factory. The workers are refusing to work and joining others in demanding a 15% increment."

Similarly, a Deco Group worker shared, "As workers refused to work, the management declared a holiday early in the day."

Sadhan Kumar, general manager of The Rose Dresses Limited, said, "Our workers showed up today but refused to work today. While they resumed work after discussions, the closure of surrounding factories forced us to shut down operations."

Today, production was already halted in at least 10 factories due to the protests.

What federation leader says 

Bangladesh Garments and Industrial Workers Federation General Secretary Babul Akhter told TBS that the decision was made after five meetings, with government intervention.  

When asked why workers continue to protest despite the recent wage hike, Babul Akhter explained, "The reality is that a significant number of workers in the Ashulia industrial belt are affiliated with local political parties. These groups often act under the influence of their political leaders, and sometimes they disregard the directives of their federation leaders."  

He further explained that some political leaders are retreating due to shifts in political power following the student movement.  

Akhter also noted that workers are aware they are unlikely to face retaliation from the interim government, which has emboldened them to continue their protests without fear of immediate consequences.  

Top News

RMG Worker / protest / Ashulia

Comments

While most comments will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive, moderation decisions are subjective. Published comments are readers’ own views and The Business Standard does not endorse any of the readers’ comments.

Top Stories

  • Infograph:TBS
    Overseas employment back in flow as Saudi recruitment picks up in May
  • Closed shops in the Tehran Bazaar following the Israeli strikes on Iran, in the centre of Tehran, Iran, June 15, 2025. Photo: Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS
    Trump urges Tehran evacuation as Iran-Israel conflict enters fifth day
  • Rising default loans threaten jobs, growth, trade
    Rising default loans threaten jobs, growth, trade

MOST VIEWED

  • Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur. TBS Sketch
    Merger of 5 Islamic banks at final stage: BB governor
  • UCB launches Bangladesh's first microservices-based open API banking platform
    UCB launches Bangladesh's first microservices-based open API banking platform
  • Photo: Collected
    Pakistan rejects reports of missile supply to Iran
  • Infographic: TBS
    Non-performing loans surge by Tk74,570cr in Q1 as hidden rot exposed
  • BSEC seeks roadmap from 60 firms on Tk30cr capital compliance
    BSEC seeks roadmap from 60 firms on Tk30cr capital compliance
  • Former Bangladesh High Commissioner to the UK Saida Muna Tasneem. Photo: Collected
    ACC launches inquiry against ex-Bangladesh envoy Saida Muna, husband over laundering Tk2,000cr

Related News

  • Secretariat staff rally demands repeal of public service ordinance
  • Govt officials to protest at Secretariat tomorrow demanding repeal of Public Service Act
  • Police charge batons, lob sound grenades as non-govt teacher aspirants march to Secretariat
  • Ishraque to ‘provide’ civic services under ‘own supervision’ amid Nagar Bhaban lockdown
  • US cities brace for more protests as parts of Los Angeles placed under curfew

Features

The GLS600 overall has a curvaceous nature, with seamless blends across every panel. PHOTO: Arfin Kazi

Mercedes Maybach GLS600: Definitive Luxury

21h | Wheels
Renowned authors Imdadul Haque Milon, Mohit Kamal, and poet–children’s writer Rashed Rouf seen at Current Book Centre, alongside the store's proprietor, Shahin. Photo: Collected

From ‘Screen and Culture’ to ‘Current Book House’: Chattogram’s oldest surviving bookstore

1d | Panorama
Photos: Collected

Kurtis that make a great office wear

3d | Mode
Among pet birds in the country, lovebirds are the most common, and they are also the most numerous in the haat. Photo: Junayet Rashel

Where feathers meet fortune: How a small pigeon stall became Dhaka’s premiere bird market

5d | Panorama

More Videos from TBS

Phulbari, Banglabandha Borders Closed Due to Protests by Indian Truck Workers

Phulbari, Banglabandha Borders Closed Due to Protests by Indian Truck Workers

9h | TBS World
Why is China's economy not booming?

Why is China's economy not booming?

9h | Others
An additional 36 countries may be added to the travel restrictions imposed by the United States.

An additional 36 countries may be added to the travel restrictions imposed by the United States.

12h | TBS World
NPLs surge by Tk74,570cr in Q1 as hidden rot exposed

NPLs surge by Tk74,570cr in Q1 as hidden rot exposed

12h | TBS Insight
EMAIL US
contact@tbsnews.net
FOLLOW US
WHATSAPP
+880 1847416158
The Business Standard
  • About Us
  • Contact us
  • Sitemap
  • Advertisement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Comment Policy
Copyright © 2025
The Business Standard All rights reserved
Technical Partner: RSI Lab

Contact Us

The Business Standard

Main Office -4/A, Eskaton Garden, Dhaka- 1000

Phone: +8801847 416158 - 59

Send Opinion articles to - oped.tbs@gmail.com

For advertisement- sales@tbsnews.net