Representatives of readymade garment manufacturers and workers have come to an agreement on 18 key demands to address labour concerns.
The agreement was reached following a lengthy discussion between 35 representatives from both sides at a meeting on Tuesday in the Labour Ministry’s conference room at the Secretariat.
Labour Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan explained that the workers had submitted a list of 18 demands, backed by demonstrations. "We’ve addressed all the demands. Any further unrest will be met with legal action," he warned.
He also pointed out that, unlike the previous government, which forcefully dismissed workers’ demands, this time the concerns were reviewed thoroughly. "We have immediately approved the demands we found reasonable, while the rest will be dealt with according to committee recommendations," he added.
Labour Ministry Secretary AHM Safiqzzaman announced that all industrial factories across the country would reopen from tomorrow.
The meeting was attended by key figures, including Labour Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan, and Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter.
The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), representing the manufacturers, accepted the workers’ demands in response to ongoing labor unrest.
Key demands include implementing the existing minimum wage in all factories by October and settling all outstanding payments by October 10. Additionally, attendance bonuses will increase by Tk225, night shift bonuses will rise by Tk10, and a Tk10 increase for tiffin will be implemented after 8:00 p.m.
Workers in labor-heavy regions will now have access to rations through TCB (Trading Corporation of Bangladesh) and OMS (Open Market Sales). Maternity leave will be extended from 112 to 120 days, and all factories must establish daycare centers.
A joint committee, with six representatives from both the manufacturers' and workers' sides, will assess the possibility of forming a new minimum wage board within six months. The Ministry will also take control of the Jhut (fabric scrap) business to ensure that the benefits are directed toward worker welfare.
The law ministry is set to resolve all outstanding legal cases against workers. Compensation will be provided to families of workers killed during last year’s wage unrest and the July revolution, drawing from the central fund.
Efforts to eliminate gender discrimination in the garment industry are also underway. Victims of the Tazreen Fashion and Rana Plaza tragedies will receive compensation as per a committee report formed last month.
Furthermore, the Labour Act will be amended by December, under Article 93, to ensure the implementation of service benefits and provident funds across all garments factories.
Labour Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan reaffirmed that the industry will be fully operational from Wednesday. He emphasized that any violations by manufacturers or disorder by workers will result in government action.
BGMEA President Khandaker Rafiqul Islam acknowledged the challenges of meeting all the demands but agreed in the interest of the industry’s future.
IndustriALL Bangladesh Council (IBC) Secretary General Kutubuddin Ahmed called for cooperation with the government, urging workers to return to work, emphasizing the need to balance immediate demands with long-term industry survival.
Industrial Police DIG Md Sigbat Ullah urged both manufacturers and workers to maintain harmony, calling for regular meetings to address issues and avoid further unrest.
Colonel Mohiuddin of the 9th Division of the Bangladesh Army echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that most demands had been met and urged workers to return to work, warning of strict action against any further disruptions.