A Bangladeshi worker paid S$7,260 for his first job in Singapore in 2019.
Just as he neared debt clearance, tragedy struck in September last year, a fall from a step ladder left him severely injured.
As shared by TWC2, despite ongoing physiotherapy, he’s received only four months’ medical leave wages, rendering him incomeless.
Bangladesh crackdown: 10,000 activists arrested ahead of elections. BNP alleges political persecution; government accused of rights abuses. Tensions rise amid overcrowded prisons and fair election concerns.
Over 200 Rohingya refugees, part of a 1,000-strong group, landed in Aceh, Indonesia, facing initial rejection by locals. The UNHCR called for urgent action, emphasizing the humanitarian crisis.
Indonesia, not a UN Refugee Convention signatory, granted temporary shelter to another group earlier. The Rohingya, fleeing persecution, often embark on perilous sea journeys.
Bangladesh’s PM Hasina rejects additional pay hikes for garment workers, leading to protests. The government raised wages, but workers demand more. The situation sparks violence and international concerns, with the US calling for a wage addressing economic pressures.
Bangladeshi police clashed with striking garment workers in Ashulia and Gazipur, who are demanding higher wages due to rising living costs. The workers are seeking a significant increase in the minimum basic wage, currently at 8,300 taka (US$75).
Cyclone Hamoon hit the southeastern coast of Bangladesh, leading to evacuations and casualties. This is a consequence of increasing severe weather events due to climate change, posing a significant threat to the region.
A severe dengue fever outbreak in Bangladesh, with over 1,000 deaths and 200,000 confirmed cases, presenting a significant challenge to the country’s healthcare system.
FORUM-ASIA and its member organizations express solidarity with Bangladeshi human rights defenders, Adilur Rahman Khan and ASM Nasiruddin Elan, following their conviction by the Dhaka Cyber Tribunal.
The defenders, known for their work with Odhikar, have faced persistent harassment since revealing extrajudicial killings in 2013. FORUM-ASIA calls for their immediate release and urges Bangladesh to respect human rights and uphold international commitments.
In an analysis by labour rights activist Roy Ngerng, Bangladesh’s contemplation of raising the garment sector’s minimum wage is emphasized. Historically, wage increases in the country have correlated with reduced unemployment and boosted productivity.
Ngerng argues that higher wages inspire workers to join the workforce, resulting in enhanced consumer confidence and business growth. Countries paying higher wages also tend to witness better productivity, innovation, exports, and profits.
On the flip side, stagnant or low wages can hamper growth. Many advocate for a wage increase, seeing it as beneficial for both the workforce and the overall economy.
Bangladesh’s garment sector is considering a raise in its minimum wage. Trade unions advocate for a wage increase to Tk23,000 (US$210), reflecting the basic living standard cost determined by the Bangladesh Institute for Labour Studies.
Roy Ngerng argues in this commentary that by raising its minimum wage faster, Bangladesh’s economy can catch up with other countries it once matched.