Dhaka:Am Janatar Dal General Secretary Md Tarek Rahman has proposed that garment workers' wages be set at the equivalent of the international market price of six shirts. The proposal was made in a post on Tarek's verified Facebook page, where he emphasized the need for wages that reflect the value produced by workers.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Tarek highlighted that the price of six shirts in the international market would currently amount to around Tk 20,000, considering each shirt is priced at Tk 3,500. He further noted that with overtime, a worker could potentially earn Tk 25,000.
In response to queries about garment workers' demands for a monthly wage of Tk 30,000, despite some graduates earning only Tk 12,000, Tarek stressed the importance of wages that match the skills and value created by workers. He compared the wages of skilled workers, such as electricians and sanitary workers, to underline his point.
Tarek also addressed recent arson attacks on factories, stating his disbelief that workers would destroy their own workplaces. He called for justice against those responsible, pointing out the risk to thousands of jobs. Furthermore, Tarek welcomed the government's establishment of a minimum wage board, urging for inclusive discussions involving workers, factory owners, and international buyers' representatives.