Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son and former official adviser of Bangladesh's ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, said in an interview on Monday that she will not enter politics again. He asserted that on her family's insistence, she left the country for her own safety.

Sheikh Hasina's son Joy says Bangladesh's 'iron lady' wouldn't return to politics "ever"

Mr. Jaishankar said that the country had been facing “considerable tension, deep divides and growing polarisation in Bangladesh politics,” since its General elections in January 2024. He continued that this aggravated a student agitation that began in June.

S Jaishankar addresses the Bangladesh crisis in Rajya Sabha

In an effort to address Bangladesh's ongoing dilemma, leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement have proposed an interim administration headed by Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus.

Bangladesh's student leaders call for Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus to head interim government

At least 93 people, including 14 policemen were killed and hundreds injured in clashes in Bangladesh. Rubber bullets were used by the police to disperse tens of thousands of protesters calling for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to resign.

Bangladesh Protest: Renewed anti-government protests leave nearly 100 dead

Bangladesh Protest: Bangladesh is on the boil again, indefinite curfew imposed

At least 91 people were killed and hundreds injured in clashes in Bangladesh on Sunday as police fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse tens of thousands of protesters calling for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to resign.

Bangladesh Protests: At least 91 killed as clashes rock Bangladesh, curfew imposed

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned on Monday and fled the country, multiple sources said, as more people were killed in some of the worst violence since the birth of the South Asian nation more than five decades ago

India updates travel advisory for Bangladesh, 3countries including U.S. on the list

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned on Monday and fled the country, multiple sources said, as more people were killed in some of the worst violence since the birth of the South Asian nation more than five decades ago.

Bangladesh: People will be served Justice, army seeks cooperation

Bangladesh: People will be served justice says Army Chief

Bangladesh's capital Dhaka is now slowly returning to normalcy after a 4-day nationwide shutdown that was triggered by deadly student protest against quotas for government jobs

Bangladesh: Calm returns to streets after 4-day nationwide shutdown

India has issued an advisory to its citizens residing in Bangladesh amid escalating protests and violent clashes in the neighbouring country over the new quota system for government jobs. The advisory urges Indians to avoid travel and minimise their movement.

According to media reports, the recent clashes resulted in six deaths and left hundreds injured.

"In view of the ongoing situation in Bangladesh, the Indian community members and the Indian students residing in Bangladesh are advised to avoid travel and minimise their movement outside their living premises," stated the Indian High Commission in Bangladesh.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-student-protests-dhaka-slams-us-over-unsubstantiated-claims-about-stir-741474">Bangladesh student protests: Dhaka slams US over unsubstantiated claims about stir</a>

The advisory also provided 24-hour emergency contact numbers for Indian missions to assist citizens in urgent need.

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<h2>Protesters call nationwide shutdown</h2>

In response to the quota system for government jobs, student protesters have announced a complete nationwide shutdown on Thursday (July 18).&nbsp;

Asif Mahmud, a key coordinator of the movement, declared that all establishments, except hospitals and emergency services, will remain closed, with only ambulance services permitted to operate.

Addressing the nation, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed deep regret over the casualties and announced a judicial inquiry into the violence. She urged demonstrators to trust the Supreme Court, which is currently addressing the issue.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-suspends-job-quotas-after-student-protests-739594">Bangladesh students triumph as top court puts brakes on controversial job quota system</a>

"I believe our students will get justice (in the apex court). They will not be disappointed," she said.

<h2>Why are the students&nbsp;protesting?</h2>

The protests are driven by dissatisfaction with the public sector job quotas, particularly the 30 per cent reserved for family members of freedom fighters from the 1971 War of Independence. Currently, 56 per cent of government jobs in Bangladesh are reserved for various categories, including women, people from underdeveloped districts, indigenous communities, and individuals with disabilities.

This leaves only 44 per cent of positions available for the general populace, fuelling frustration&nbsp;amid high youth unemployment.

The quota for freedom fighters' families has been especially controversial, with critics arguing it benefits those loyal to Prime Minister Hasina's Awami League party.

(With inputs from agencies)

India has issued an advisory to its citizens residing in Bangladesh amid escalating protests and violent clashes in the neighbouring country over the new quota system for government jobs.

India has issued an advisory to its citizens residing in Bangladesh amid escalating protests and violent clashes in the neighbouring country over the new quota system for government jobs. The advisory urges Indians to avoid travel and minimise their movement. According to media reports, the recent clashes resulted in six deaths and left hundreds injured. "In view of the ongoing situation in Bangladesh, the Indian community members and the Indian students residing in Bangladesh are advised to avoid travel and minimise their movement outside their living premises," stated the Indian High Commission in Bangladesh. Also read | Bangladesh student protests: Dhaka slams US over unsubstantiated claims about stir The advisory also provided 24-hour emergency contact numbers for Indian missions to assist citizens in urgent need. Advisory on the ongoing situation in Bangladesh. pic.twitter.com/mjXouAST2M — India in Bangladesh (@ihcdhaka) July 18, 2024 × Protesters call nationwide shutdown In response to the quota system for government jobs, student protesters have announced a complete nationwide shutdown on Thursday (July 18). Asif Mahmud, a key coordinator of the movement, declared that all establishments, except hospitals and emergency services, will remain closed, with only ambulance services permitted to operate. Addressing the nation, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed deep regret over the casualties and announced a judicial inquiry into the violence. She urged demonstrators to trust the Supreme Court, which is currently addressing the issue. Also read | Bangladesh students triumph as top court puts brakes on controversial job quota system "I believe our students will get justice (in the apex court). They will not be disappointed," she said. Why are the students protesting? The protests are driven by dissatisfaction with the public sector job quotas, particularly the 30 per cent reserved for family members of freedom fighters from the 1971 War of Independence. Currently, 56 per cent of government jobs in Bangladesh are reserved for various categories, including women, people from underdeveloped districts, indigenous communities, and individuals with disabilities. This leaves only 44 per cent of positions available for the general populace, fuelling frustration amid high youth unemployment. The quota for freedom fighters' families has been especially controversial, with critics arguing it benefits those loyal to Prime Minister Hasina's Awami League party. (With inputs from agencies)

India issues advisory amid Bangladesh unrest; Students announce nationwide shutdown, to continue protests

Massive protests across Bangladesh against a controversial quota system in government jobs have left six dead and over 400 injured. Bangladesh High Court reinstated a 30% quota for freedom fighters and their descendants in government jobs triggering protests.

Bangladesh: Quota for family of 1971 war heroes trigger massive protests

People are queuing up at fuel stations late at night to fill up their tanks in Bangladesh after the price was hiked 52 per cent.

Demanding the unexpected price increase be reversed, angry demonstrators surrounded fuel stations throughout Bangladesh.

In the "highest ever" price hike since the country got independence, diesel rate went up by 34 Taka per litre.

Prompting the government to seek loans from global lending agencies, including the International Monetary Fund, soaring energy and food prices have inflated its import bill.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/node/504492" hreflang="en">Third member of UK family dies due to suspected poisoning in Bangladesh</a>

Bangladesh, which has been one of the fastest-growing in the world, has been witnessing several protests by student unions in the country's capital Dhaka.

Dhaka Tribune quoted a protester as saying "Common people are already in hardship to cope with the rise of living costs. Government's looting of Public property and mismanagement led people toward this suffering."

Noting that state-run Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) had incurred a loss of more than 8 billion taka ($85 million), the fuel price increase was inevitable given global market conditions.

With annual inflation in July hitting 7.48 per cent, Bangladesh's inflation rate has topped 6 per cent for nine consecutive months.

(With inputs from agencies)

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People are queuing up at fuel stations late at night to fill up their tanks in Bangladesh after the price was hiked 52 per cent. Demanding the unexpected price increase be reversed, angry demonstrators surrounded fuel stations throughout Bangladesh.

People are queuing up at fuel stations late at night to fill up their tanks in Bangladesh after the price was hiked 52 per cent. Demanding the unexpected price increase be reversed, angry demonstrators surrounded fuel stations throughout Bangladesh. In the "highest ever" price hike since the country got independence, diesel rate went up by 34 Taka per litre. Prompting the government to seek loans from global lending agencies, including the International Monetary Fund, soaring energy and food prices have inflated its import bill. Also read | Third member of UK family dies due to suspected poisoning in Bangladesh Bangladesh, which has been one of the fastest-growing in the world, has been witnessing several protests by student unions in the country's capital Dhaka. Dhaka Tribune quoted a protester as saying "Common people are already in hardship to cope with the rise of living costs. Government's looting of Public property and mismanagement led people toward this suffering." Noting that state-run Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) had incurred a loss of more than 8 billion taka ($85 million), the fuel price increase was inevitable given global market conditions. With annual inflation in July hitting 7.48 per cent, Bangladesh's inflation rate has topped 6 per cent for nine consecutive months. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

Bangladesh: People queue up at fuel stations after 52% surge in fuel prices

Bangladesh&nbsp;police fired tear gas and around 20 people were injured as thousands of opposition demonstrators demanded the government allow ailing ex-premier Khaleda Zia to fly abroad for treatment.

Zia, 76, arch-rival of current Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, was admitted to the critical care unit of a Dhaka hospital early this month after her health worsened, one of her doctors told AFP.

She is currently barred by a court from travelling overseas after being convicted on graft charges in 2018.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-faces-quality-issues-with-chinese-military-equipment-report-431351" hreflang="en">Bangladesh faces quality issues with Chinese military equipment: Report</a>

"She is critically ill and now urgently needs treatment in developed countries such as the United States, Germany and Britain. There is no treatment for her in the region," doctor A.Z.M. Zahid Hossain said.

Organisers said a protest Monday outside Dhaka's National Press Club drew more than 15,000 activists and supporters of Zia's&nbsp;Bangladesh&nbsp;Nationalist Party (BNP), but police put the number at around 7,000.

Hundreds of police were deployed.

The BNP, which was last in power from 2001 to 2006, also staged demonstrations in dozens of other cities and towns across the country of 169 million people.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-army-protests-untrue-comments-against-its-chief-171319">Also Read:&nbsp;Bangladesh Army protests untrue comments against its chief</a>

In the northern district of Natore "about 20 people were injured including three journalists" when BNP activists clashed with police who tried to thwart a procession, a police inspector told AFP.

"They (BNP activists) threw rocks at police, who fired tear gas and (rubber bullets) from shotguns to disperse them," he said.

Hossain, who is a vice president of the BNP, said Zia was suffering from liver disease, chronic kidney disease and a heart complaint in addition to her existing conditions of rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes.

Hasina last week appeared to reject her family and party's pleas for treatment abroad.

"I have done whatever I can for Khaleda Zia. Now the law will decide the next course of action," Hasina told a press briefing.

"Using whatever (authority) is in my hand, I have managed to keep Khaleda Zia at her home (not in jail)," she said.

Zia was sentenced to 10 years in prison in February 2018 on graft charges that her party says were politically motivated.

But she was released in March last year as her condition worsened in a jail where she was the only inmate. She has since been barred from flying abroad.

"On February 8, 2018, she walked to the jail without assistance. But when she was released on March 25, 2020, she came out in a wheelchair. Now she can't move or do any normal activity without assistance," Hossain told AFP.

Bangladesh police fired tear gas and around 20 people were injured as thousands of opposition demonstrators demanded the government allow ailing ex-premier Khaleda Zia to fly abroad for treatment.

Bangladesh police fired tear gas and around 20 people were injured as thousands of opposition demonstrators demanded the government allow ailing ex-premier Khaleda Zia to fly abroad for treatment. Zia, 76, arch-rival of current Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, was admitted to the critical care unit of a Dhaka hospital early this month after her health worsened, one of her doctors told AFP. She is currently barred by a court from travelling overseas after being convicted on graft charges in 2018. Also read | Bangladesh faces quality issues with Chinese military equipment: Report "She is critically ill and now urgently needs treatment in developed countries such as the United States, Germany and Britain. There is no treatment for her in the region," doctor A.Z.M. Zahid Hossain said. Organisers said a protest Monday outside Dhaka's National Press Club drew more than 15,000 activists and supporters of Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), but police put the number at around 7,000. Hundreds of police were deployed. The BNP, which was last in power from 2001 to 2006, also staged demonstrations in dozens of other cities and towns across the country of 169 million people. Also Read: Bangladesh Army protests untrue comments against its chief In the northern district of Natore "about 20 people were injured including three journalists" when BNP activists clashed with police who tried to thwart a procession, a police inspector told AFP. "They (BNP activists) threw rocks at police, who fired tear gas and (rubber bullets) from shotguns to disperse them," he said. Hossain, who is a vice president of the BNP, said Zia was suffering from liver disease, chronic kidney disease and a heart complaint in addition to her existing conditions of rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes. Hasina last week appeared to reject her family and party's pleas for treatment abroad. "I have done whatever I can for Khaleda Zia. Now the law will decide the next course of action," Hasina told a press briefing. "Using whatever (authority) is in my hand, I have managed to keep Khaleda Zia at her home (not in jail)," she said. Zia was sentenced to 10 years in prison in February 2018 on graft charges that her party says were politically motivated. But she was released in March last year as her condition worsened in a jail where she was the only inmate. She has since been barred from flying abroad. "On February 8, 2018, she walked to the jail without assistance. But when she was released on March 25, 2020, she came out in a wheelchair. Now she can't move or do any normal activity without assistance," Hossain told AFP.

Bangladesh demonstrators demand foreign treatment for ailing ex-PM

Dozens received injuries on Sunday as Bangladeshi police fired rubber bullets and tear gas at protesters who rallied over the death of a writer in jail. Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina shrugged off criticism faced by her government.

Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina shrugs off criticism faced by her government

Hundreds of locals in Dhaka staged a protest rally for the second day to raise their voices against the rising number of rape incidents in the country. Watch report.

Bangladesh rape protest: Protesters take part in second-day rally

Bangladesh's Left Democratic Alliance led a protest on Sunday against the government's raising of the price of natural gas, which took effect last week.

Almost all the oppositions, including the country's largest opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party, supported the protest.

Activists of the alliance blocked key intersections in the city and disrupted transport. Police temporarily detained some workers of the party.

The state-run Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission last week raised natural gas prices by 32.8% on average for all users effective from July 1, the first day of the country`s fiscal year, the head of the Commission said.

Khalequzz Zaman, the secretary general of the Bangladesh Socialist Party said that if the government did not withdraw the decision that would hurt the poorest most, its members will besiege the ministry of power, energy and mineral resources next Sunday.

"After that, we will continue different protests in the country," Khalequz said at a protest meeting in the city.

The business community was also protesting against the decision to raise the gas price, a critical input for the industry.

Rubana Huq, president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) said that the gas bill will take up around 1.5% of the manufacturing cost after this hike, an almost 1% increase in production cost.

"This may not sound much in terms of percentage, but for an industry struggling for every penny this will be another blow," she told reporters. 
The readymade garment is the backbone of Bangladesh's economy.

Bangladesh's textile industry earns about $30 billion annually by exporting readymade garments, which represents about 16% of the economy and employs over 4 million workers.&nbsp;

Bangladesh's Left Democratic Alliance led a protest on Sunday against the government's raising of the price of natural gas, which took effect last week. Almost all the oppositions, including the country's largest opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party, supported the protest.

Bangladesh's Left Democratic Alliance led a protest on Sunday against the government's raising of the price of natural gas, which took effect last week. Almost all the oppositions, including the country's largest opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party, supported the protest. Activists of the alliance blocked key intersections in the city and disrupted transport. Police temporarily detained some workers of the party. The state-run Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission last week raised natural gas prices by 32.8% on average for all users effective from July 1, the first day of the country`s fiscal year, the head of the Commission said. Khalequzz Zaman, the secretary general of the Bangladesh Socialist Party said that if the government did not withdraw the decision that would hurt the poorest most, its members will besiege the ministry of power, energy and mineral resources next Sunday. "After that, we will continue different protests in the country," Khalequz said at a protest meeting in the city. The business community was also protesting against the decision to raise the gas price, a critical input for the industry. Rubana Huq, president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) said that the gas bill will take up around 1.5% of the manufacturing cost after this hike, an almost 1% increase in production cost. "This may not sound much in terms of percentage, but for an industry struggling for every penny this will be another blow," she told reporters. The readymade garment is the backbone of Bangladesh's economy. Bangladesh's textile industry earns about $30 billion annually by exporting readymade garments, which represents about 16% of the economy and employs over 4 million workers.

Bangladesh protests against gas price rise

Hundreds of Bangladeshi students blocked roads and set a bus ablaze in Dhaka on Tuesday in protest over the death of a student who was run over by a bus, police and witnesses said, putting the spotlight again on the city's dangerous traffic.

Last August a series of massive student protests, sparked by the death of two teenagers mowed down by a speeding bus in the capital, led to street battles and the use of tear gas and rubber bullets by police.

The protest forced Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government to approve raising the maximum prison time to five years from three for causing death by rash driving.

In Bangladesh most bus drivers do not get paid monthly salaries but earn commissions based on the number of passengers picked up, leading them to race each other for increased business.&nbsp;

Atiqul Islam, mayor of the Dhaka North City Corporation, told students on Tuesday he would take all possible steps to help curb accidents and ensure their safety.

Police have arrested the bus driver who was involved in Tuesday's death and he would now face charges, said Abu Bakar Siddique, a senior police official.

Hundreds of Bangladeshi students blocked roads and set a bus ablaze in Dhaka on Tuesday in protest over the death of a student who was run over by a bus, police and witnesses said, putting the spotlight again on the city's dangerous traffic.

Hundreds of Bangladeshi students blocked roads and set a bus ablaze in Dhaka on Tuesday in protest over the death of a student who was run over by a bus, police and witnesses said, putting the spotlight again on the city's dangerous traffic. Last August a series of massive student protests, sparked by the death of two teenagers mowed down by a speeding bus in the capital, led to street battles and the use of tear gas and rubber bullets by police. The protest forced Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government to approve raising the maximum prison time to five years from three for causing death by rash driving. In Bangladesh most bus drivers do not get paid monthly salaries but earn commissions based on the number of passengers picked up, leading them to race each other for increased business. Atiqul Islam, mayor of the Dhaka North City Corporation, told students on Tuesday he would take all possible steps to help curb accidents and ensure their safety. Police have arrested the bus driver who was involved in Tuesday's death and he would now face charges, said Abu Bakar Siddique, a senior police official.

Protests erupt in Bangladesh's capital after bus runs over student

Thousands of Bangladeshi garment workers downed tools and walked out of clothing factories Monday, refusing to end a week-long strike over wages and rejecting<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-garment-manufacturers-raise-workers-pay-amid-further-protests-190070"> government efforts to end the standoff</a>.

Police said thousands of labourers marched off factory floors for an eighth consecutive day, disrupting Bangladesh's $30-billion-a-year industry spinning clothes for major western brands.

Unlike previous days, there were no reports of violence. One worker was killed last week after police fired rubber bullets and tear gas at some 5,000 protesters.

In Ashulia, near the capital Dhaka, armoured personnel carriers and hundreds of police guarded factories in the country's largest garment hub.

A message broadcast over loudspeakers urged protesters to return to work: "A list is being prepared of those who are roaming around. No violence will be tolerated."

As the strike entered a second week Sunday, the government brokered a deal between unions and manufacturers to end the dispute, agreeing to raise wages for mid-tier tailors.

But some received hikes of little more than 20 taka ($0.25) a month, angering many tailors who churn out boutique clothing for high-end fashion lines overseas.

"I think the wage hike was unjust," Ruhul Amin, executive president of the Garment Trade Union Centre, told AFP.

Some workers joining Monday's protests expressed anger over the heavy-handed police response last week and accused factory bosses of withholding pay from those who joined the strike.

"We're not getting paid for the last week, that's why we walked out," Mitali Begum, another labourer, told AFP.

The protests are the first major test for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina since winning a fourth term in the December 30 elections, which were marred by violence and allegations of vote rigging and intimidation.

An estimated four million Bangladeshis work in the country's 4,500 garment factories.

Roughly 80 per cent of Bangladesh's export earnings come from clothing sales abroad, with global retailers H&amp;M, Primark, Walmart, Tesco and Aldi among the main buyers.

Last year, Bangladesh was the second-largest global apparel exporter after China. It has ambitious plans to expand the sector into a $50-billion-a-year industry by 2023.

Thousands of Bangladeshi garment workers downed tools and walked out of clothing factories Monday, refusing to end a week-long strike over wages and rejecting government efforts to end the standoff.

Thousands of Bangladeshi garment workers downed tools and walked out of clothing factories Monday, refusing to end a week-long strike over wages and rejecting government efforts to end the standoff. Police said thousands of labourers marched off factory floors for an eighth consecutive day, disrupting Bangladesh's $30-billion-a-year industry spinning clothes for major western brands. Unlike previous days, there were no reports of violence. One worker was killed last week after police fired rubber bullets and tear gas at some 5,000 protesters. In Ashulia, near the capital Dhaka, armoured personnel carriers and hundreds of police guarded factories in the country's largest garment hub. A message broadcast over loudspeakers urged protesters to return to work: "A list is being prepared of those who are roaming around. No violence will be tolerated." As the strike entered a second week Sunday, the government brokered a deal between unions and manufacturers to end the dispute, agreeing to raise wages for mid-tier tailors. But some received hikes of little more than 20 taka ($0.25) a month, angering many tailors who churn out boutique clothing for high-end fashion lines overseas. "I think the wage hike was unjust," Ruhul Amin, executive president of the Garment Trade Union Centre, told AFP. Some workers joining Monday's protests expressed anger over the heavy-handed police response last week and accused factory bosses of withholding pay from those who joined the strike. "We're not getting paid for the last week, that's why we walked out," Mitali Begum, another labourer, told AFP. The protests are the first major test for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina since winning a fourth term in the December 30 elections, which were marred by violence and allegations of vote rigging and intimidation. An estimated four million Bangladeshis work in the country's 4,500 garment factories. Roughly 80 per cent of Bangladesh's export earnings come from clothing sales abroad, with global retailers H&M, Primark, Walmart, Tesco and Aldi among the main buyers. Last year, Bangladesh was the second-largest global apparel exporter after China. It has ambitious plans to expand the sector into a $50-billion-a-year industry by 2023.

Bangladesh garment workers reject wage hike, walk off job

The Bangladesh government announced its decision to revise wages for readymade garment workers on Sunday to end the week-long unrest in the country.&nbsp;

State Labour and Employment Minister Munnujan Sufian announced the government’s decision to hike wages1,2,3,4,5, 6 and 7 grades.&nbsp;

Sources in the Awami League-led government said, “This decision by the minister was announced after the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina intervened to end the unrest and asked the ministers to immediately hike the wages.”

Earlier in the day, the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exports Association had threatened to shut down all factories if workers did not return to work immediately on Monday.&nbsp;

The country witnessed a week-long violent agitation by the readymade garment workers ever since they began their movement, demanding a wage hike, against the government from January 6.&nbsp;

While one worker died in clashes with police, over 100 workers were injured in Mirpur, Savar and Ashulia.&nbsp;

On Sunday too, violent clashes broke out on Dhaka’s outskirts in Ashulia between the readymade garment workers and police, leaving as many as 20 workers injured.&nbsp;

Agitators blockaded the Dhaka-Tangail highway for several hours. They pelted stones at the police who in turn fired tear gas and used water canons to disperse the agitators.&nbsp;

 
The revised wages are as follows:&nbsp;

 
Grade 1:&nbsp;

2013: 13,000 Bangladeshi takas&nbsp;

2018: 17,510&nbsp;

Revised wage: 18,257&nbsp;

Grade 2:&nbsp;

2013: 10,900

2018: 14,630&nbsp;

Revised wage: 15,416

Grade 3:&nbsp;

2013: 6,405

2018: 9,590

Revised wage: 9,845

Grade 4:&nbsp;

2013: 6,420

2018: 9, 245&nbsp;

Revised wage: 9,347&nbsp;

Grade 5:&nbsp;

2013: 6,420

2018: 8,855

Revised wage: 8,875

 
Grade 6:&nbsp;

2013: 5,678

2018: 8,405

Revised wage: 8,420

 
Grade 7:&nbsp;

2013: 5,300

2018: 8,000

Revised wage: 8,000

(1 Indian rupee = 1.19 Bangladesh takas)

The Bangladesh government announced its decision to revise wages for readymade garment workers on Sunday to end the week-long unrest in the country. State Labour and Employment Minister Munnujan Sufian announced the government’s decision to hike wages1,2,3,4,5, 6 and 7 grades.

The Bangladesh government announced its decision to revise wages for readymade garment workers on Sunday to end the week-long unrest in the country. State Labour and Employment Minister Munnujan Sufian announced the government’s decision to hike wages1,2,3,4,5, 6 and 7 grades. Sources in the Awami League-led government said, “This decision by the minister was announced after the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina intervened to end the unrest and asked the ministers to immediately hike the wages.” Earlier in the day, the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exports Association had threatened to shut down all factories if workers did not return to work immediately on Monday. The country witnessed a week-long violent agitation by the readymade garment workers ever since they began their movement, demanding a wage hike, against the government from January 6. While one worker died in clashes with police, over 100 workers were injured in Mirpur, Savar and Ashulia. On Sunday too, violent clashes broke out on Dhaka’s outskirts in Ashulia between the readymade garment workers and police, leaving as many as 20 workers injured. Agitators blockaded the Dhaka-Tangail highway for several hours. They pelted stones at the police who in turn fired tear gas and used water canons to disperse the agitators. The revised wages are as follows: Grade 1: 2013: 13,000 Bangladeshi takas 2018: 17,510 Revised wage: 18,257 Grade 2: 2013: 10,900 2018: 14,630 Revised wage: 15,416 Grade 3: 2013: 6,405 2018: 9,590 Revised wage: 9,845 Grade 4: 2013: 6,420 2018: 9, 245 Revised wage: 9,347 Grade 5: 2013: 6,420 2018: 8,855 Revised wage: 8,875 Grade 6: 2013: 5,678 2018: 8,405 Revised wage: 8,420 Grade 7: 2013: 5,300 2018: 8,000 Revised wage: 8,000 (1 Indian rupee = 1.19 Bangladesh takas)

Bangladesh hikes garment workers' wages to end week-long unrest

Thousands of Bangladeshi garment workers churning out clothes for top global brands walked off the job Sunday and clashed with police as protests over low wages entered a second week.&nbsp;

Police said water cannons and tear gas were fired to disperse huge crowds of striking factory workers in Savar, a garment hub just outside the capital Dhaka.

"The workers barricaded the highway, we had to drive them away to ease traffic conditions," industrial police director Sana Shaminur Rahman told AFP about Sunday's strike action.

"So far 52 factories, including some big ones, have shut down operations due to the protests."

One worker was killed on Tuesday after police fired rubber bullets and tear gas at some 5,000 protesting workers.

Bangladesh is dependant on garments stitched by millions of low-paid tailors on factory floors across the emerging South Asia economy of 165 million people.

Roughly 80 per cent of its export earnings come from clothing sales abroad, with global retailers H&amp;M, Primark, Walmart, Tesco and Aldi among the main buyers.

Union leader Aminul Islam blamed factory owners for resorting to violence to control striking workers.

"But they are more united than ever," he told AFP. "It doesn't seem like they will leave the streets, until their demands are met."

The protests are the first major test for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina since winning a fourth term in December 30 elections marred by violence, thousands of arrests and allegations of vote rigging and intimidation.

Late Sunday, the government announced a pay hike for mid-level factory workers after meeting with manufacturers and unions. Not all unions have signalled they will uphold the agreement.

Babul Akhter, a union leader present at the meeting, told AFP the deal should appease striking workers.

"They should not reject it, and peacefully return to work," he told AFP.

Minimum wages for the lowest-paid garment workers rose by a little over 50 per cent this month to 8,000 taka ($95) per month.

But mid-tier tailors say their rise was paltry and fails to reflect the rising costs of living, especially in housing.

'No work, no pay'

Bangladesh's 4,500 textile and clothing factories shipped more than $30 billion worth of apparel last year.

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters' Association, which wields huge political influence, warned all factories might be shut if tailors do not return to work immediately.

"We may follow the 'no work, no pay' theory, according to the labour law," association president Siddikur Rahman told reporters.

Last year Bangladesh was the second-largest global apparel exporter after China. It has ambitious plans to expand the sector into a $50 billion a year industry by 2023.&nbsp;

But despite their role in transforming the impoverished nation into a major manufacturing hub, garment workers remain some of the lowest paid in the world.

The industry also has a poor workplace safety record.

The Rana Plaza garment factory collapse in 2013 killed more than 1,130 people in one of the world's worst industrial accidents.&nbsp;

Following the disaster, major retailers formed two groups to introduce factory reforms. The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters' Association says its members have since invested $1 billion in safety upgrades. 
&nbsp;

Thousands of Bangladeshi garment workers churning out clothes for top global brands walked off the job Sunday and clashed with police as protests over low wages entered a second week.

Thousands of Bangladeshi garment workers churning out clothes for top global brands walked off the job Sunday and clashed with police as protests over low wages entered a second week. Police said water cannons and tear gas were fired to disperse huge crowds of striking factory workers in Savar, a garment hub just outside the capital Dhaka. "The workers barricaded the highway, we had to drive them away to ease traffic conditions," industrial police director Sana Shaminur Rahman told AFP about Sunday's strike action. "So far 52 factories, including some big ones, have shut down operations due to the protests." One worker was killed on Tuesday after police fired rubber bullets and tear gas at some 5,000 protesting workers. Bangladesh is dependant on garments stitched by millions of low-paid tailors on factory floors across the emerging South Asia economy of 165 million people. Roughly 80 per cent of its export earnings come from clothing sales abroad, with global retailers H&M, Primark, Walmart, Tesco and Aldi among the main buyers. Union leader Aminul Islam blamed factory owners for resorting to violence to control striking workers. "But they are more united than ever," he told AFP. "It doesn't seem like they will leave the streets, until their demands are met." The protests are the first major test for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina since winning a fourth term in December 30 elections marred by violence, thousands of arrests and allegations of vote rigging and intimidation. Late Sunday, the government announced a pay hike for mid-level factory workers after meeting with manufacturers and unions. Not all unions have signalled they will uphold the agreement. Babul Akhter, a union leader present at the meeting, told AFP the deal should appease striking workers. "They should not reject it, and peacefully return to work," he told AFP. Minimum wages for the lowest-paid garment workers rose by a little over 50 per cent this month to 8,000 taka ($95) per month. But mid-tier tailors say their rise was paltry and fails to reflect the rising costs of living, especially in housing. 'No work, no pay' Bangladesh's 4,500 textile and clothing factories shipped more than $30 billion worth of apparel last year. The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters' Association, which wields huge political influence, warned all factories might be shut if tailors do not return to work immediately. "We may follow the 'no work, no pay' theory, according to the labour law," association president Siddikur Rahman told reporters. Last year Bangladesh was the second-largest global apparel exporter after China. It has ambitious plans to expand the sector into a $50 billion a year industry by 2023. But despite their role in transforming the impoverished nation into a major manufacturing hub, garment workers remain some of the lowest paid in the world. The industry also has a poor workplace safety record. The Rana Plaza garment factory collapse in 2013 killed more than 1,130 people in one of the world's worst industrial accidents. Following the disaster, major retailers formed two groups to introduce factory reforms. The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters' Association says its members have since invested $1 billion in safety upgrades.

Bangladesh garment workers clash with police as strikes roll on

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