As Garment Unrest Grows, Shafiqur Rahman Hints at Something Bigger
As garment workers continue protesting for higher wages, Bangladesh's largest export sector faces mounting uncertainty. Opposition Leader Shafiqur Rahman has warned that attempts to fuel unrest could undermine the industry.
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In a Nutshell
- Jamaat-e-Islami chief and Opposition Leader Shafiqur Rahman alleged on Monday that conspirators and opportunists were attempting to destroy the garment industry by fuelling unrest.
- In a post on his verified Facebook page around 11:00 am, he called on the government to take a firm stance against those allegedly trying to destabilise the sector.
- His remarks came amid ongoing protests and road blockades by garment workers demanding higher wages.
- Referring to incidents of vandalism and arson at industrial establishments in different areas, Shafiqur said, "Neither owners nor workers can establish their rights by destroying industrial establishments."
- He said around 600 factories had already been declared closed and warned that a deeper conspiracy to undermine the industry's prospects ahead of the winter season could not be ruled out.
Context
Bangladesh's ready-made garment (RMG) sector is a major source of export earnings and employment. The ongoing unrest has brought workers' wage demands, factory operations and industrial security into sharper focus.
While workers are demanding an increase in the minimum monthly wage from Tk 12,500 to Tk 30,000, factory owners are facing production disruptions as protests and road blockades affect operations. The situation has now drawn political attention, with Shafiqur calling on both sides to remain vigilant.
Why It Matters
The government has responded to the wage dispute on two fronts. It has formed a wage board and promised a timely decision, while the Home Minister has described the unrest as a plot backed by a “fallen autocratic regime” and promised an “iron hand”. However, treating protests primarily as a security issue risks conflating workers' genuine grievances with organised disruption. Allegations of a conspiracy must also be separated from verified incidents of vandalism and arson.
The economic stakes are equally serious. Around 600 factories have reportedly been declared closed, threatening workers' incomes, factory operations and Bangladesh's position in the international clothing market. BGMEA and BKMEA have warned that prolonged unrest could delay shipments and strain commitments to international buyers. With the winter season approaching, further disruption could affect export prospects. For the BNP government, balancing its pro-worker and pro-investment commitments is an early test.
What We Think
Bangladesh's garment industry cannot afford prolonged instability, but stability cannot come at the expense of workers' legitimate demands. The gap between the current minimum monthly wage of Tk 12,500 and workers' demand for Tk 30,000 reflects the pressure of everyday living costs. Factory owners, meanwhile, face production expenses and commitments to international buyers. These interests are connected, not mutually exclusive.
The Home Minister says the authorities have video and audio evidence of organised involvement in the unrest, but none has been made public. Until then, claims of a regime-backed plot remain allegations. Accountability for violence must extend to all responsible parties, including factory owners where evidence points to their involvement. The wage board's credibility will depend on transparent reasoning and meaningful consultation with workers' organisations before its decision is finalised. Protecting the industry also means protecting the people whose labour sustains it.