Bangladesh Clothing Manufacturers Oppose Establishment Of Trade Unions

50 thousand the collective strike of clothing workers and the police were in conflict with the police.

The strike in Asia has spread to Bangladesh. About 50 thousand garment workers in the country held demonstrations on the 19 day, demanding higher wages.

They clash with police and wounded hundreds of people.

Vazdar Islam Khan, Secretary of the Bangladesh trade union center, said that the protests of clothing workers, roadblocks and clashes with police were staged almost every day in Dhaka and its suburbs. Their aim was to raise minimum wages.

On the same day, the Vienna based international trade union (ITUC) released a global survey, claiming that the workers in Bangladesh's clothing industry are "the world's least paid" workers and their rights are being trampled.

Workers return with live ammunition.

In an industrial area 30 kilometres north of Dhaka, Bangladesh, many factories that produce internationally renowned clothing brands are located.

A massive demonstration of clothing workers has been opened here.

Siraj Islam, the head of the local police, said demonstrators placed roadblocks on the railway from Dhaka to Tangail, "destroying clothing factories and destroying vehicles".

When the police cleared those roadblocks, demonstrators threw stones at the police.

"We fired rubber bullets, tear gas shells, and used water guns to disperse the unruly workers."

Siraj Islam said, "some workers used live ammunition to fight back, and the bullet wounded a policeman."

There have been reports of clashes between police and garment workers on the 19 day. At least hundreds of people were injured, and another 10 factories and 15 vehicles were damaged.

"Most of the injuries were caused by rubber bullets fired by the police."

The report wrote.

Islam said the situation was brought under control in 3 hours, and about 40 policemen were injured in the conflict.

Manufacturers oppose setting up trade unions

The International Union of trade unions reported that ultra-low wages, poor working conditions and factory owners' refusal to comply with wage agreements are leading to violent demonstrations in Bangladesh.

According to the agreement reached by garment manufacturers, trade unions and local governments in 2006, these workers earn a minimum wage of 1662 Taka (about 24 US dollars).

They now demand a minimum wage of 5000 Taka (about $72).

The report also said: "no trade unions have exacerbated the problem."

The Bangladesh government also announced last year that it would help every garment factory to establish trade union organizations, and suggested raising the minimum wage for workers. However, it was opposed by the Bangladesh clothing manufacturers and Exporters Association, representing more than 4500 enterprises in the industry.

In Bangladesh, exports of garments and wool fabrics became the main source of foreign exchange in the country. In 2009, the export volume was $12 billion.

Abdus Salam Mohid, head of the Bangladesh garment manufacturers and Exporters Association, said at least 76 factories were forced to close on Saturday because of demonstrations.

"Worker riots have brought bad reputation to Bangladesh.

This undermines our reputation and may frighten the world's top buyers. "

He said.

The Bangladesh clothing industry employs about 3 million workers in the country, most of whom are women.

Some experts suggest that the government must enforce laws and agreements related to the rights of workers to control illegal clothing owners.

In 2009, 6 garment workers were attacked by police or company security officers during demonstrations and protests demanding pay increases.