The minimum monthly wage for unskilled garment workers in Bangladesh has increased by 56.25% recently, from BDT 8000 to BDT 12,500, which is equivalent to 113.6 U.S. dollars. Taking into account overtime entitlement and other allowances, the net take home for an unskilled worker gets around BDT 19,000 (may vary from factory to factory), which is around 173 dollars.
As the industry grows, the well-being of the workers is better addressed and will continue to do so. What’s perhaps missing is acknowledgment, empathy, and endurance.
Author -Mohiuddin Rubel
Director, BGMEA
Managing Director, Bangladesh Apparel Exchange
Additional Managing Director, Denim Expert Ltd
