Bangladesh apparel workers receive lowest wage in Asia

Apparel workers in Bangladesh receive only $67 (Tk 5,300) per month, the lowest wage compared to all other countries in Asia. The Garment Workers Coordination Parishad, which is a platform for readymade garment (RMG) workers comprising 52 organisations, has demanded that the minimum wage of the workers should be fixed at Tk 16,000 ($189).

The association made the demand during a press conference at Dhaka Reporters Unity. It also said that workers in India get $168, while those in Cambodia get $170. Workers in other countries like Pakistan, Vietnam and Myanmar receive $124, $154 and $86, respectively.

Kamrul Anam, joint convener of the association said that the workers should get Tk 16,000 as minimum wage with Tk 10,000 as basic salary to fulfil their monthly demands. He has demanded that the new salary be given from the month of August.

The leaders of the association have also asked for 10 per cent increment in salary every year, six months maternity leave and three months of apprenticeship period with basic salary.