Garment workers in Bangladesh have largely returned to factories following several days of protests demanding higher wages, although some factories remain closed and isolated demonstrations continue in industrial areas near Dhaka.

The country's garment wage board has agreed to increase the minimum monthly wage in the sector, which contributes approximately 80% of Bangladesh's export earnings, valued at up to $38 billion. The new minimum wage is expected to be announced in December 2026 and implemented from January 2027.

Workers are demanding a monthly minimum wage of 30,000 taka, compared with the existing 12,500 taka, citing rising living costs and concerns over working conditions.

According to industrial police officials, more than 95% of garment factories in Narayanganj have resumed operations, while protests have continued in parts of Gazipur and Ashulia.

Bangladesh's garment industry employs more than four million workers and remains a major global apparel manufacturing hub. The wage dispute highlights ongoing challenges surrounding labour rights, worker welfare and production stability in the country's export-oriented textile and apparel sector.