Thousands of apparel industry workers in Bangladesh are protesting over lack of salaries. Some workers had vandalised a ready-made garment (RMG) factory belonging to DBL Group in Kashimpur, under Gazipur district, demanding full wages for April and Eid bonuses.

The government has already given a directive on this issue, saying only those who were present at work for the entire month of April will get 100 per cent salaries. Workers who did not have 100 per cent attendance will get full salary for the working days and 65 per cent for the remaining days.

MA Rahim, Vice Chairman, DBL Group said they have paid the salaries as per the instructions of the government. He explained that the time for paying Eid bonuses had not come yet.

Similar scenarios played out in at least 10 factories of Gazipura and Ashulia on the same day, according to sources. The factories are Gazipur-based Mondol Group, Metro Knitting and Dyeing Mills, Fareast Knitting and Dyeing Mills, The Ashulia-based factories are Sharmin Group, Starling Creation, Yeagi Bangladesh, Ratul Fabrics, and Manami Fashion.

BGMEA sources said other big RMG companies have also faced such demonstrations in the last few days, including Hameem Group, Envoy Group and Islam Group – all based in Ashulia. Rezwan Salim, a BGMEA director, also acknowledged the trend. According to IndustriALL Bangladesh Council (IBC) Secretary General Salauddin Shapon, could be the absence of trade unions, the reason for this could be the absence of trade unions.