On 9 November 2023, police fired rubber bullets and tear gas during protests by garment factory workers in the city of Gazipur, Bangladesh, protesting against the government-offered pay raise.

Bangladesh is one of the world’s biggest producers of fast fashion. Negotiations over a new minimum wage for garment workers in Bangladesh have sparked mass demonstrations, as the Government proposed a monthly minimum wage that is much lower than what labour unions and advocates believe is a living wage. Even with the Government proposed increase, the minumum monthly wage would still lag behind other countries in the region.

Labour unions and advocates are pushing for a minimum monthly wage of 23,000 taka ($208.64) to 25,000 taka ($226.79), while manufacturers say that more than doubling the current minimum wage is unaffordable.

Factory owners and police have met worker protests with violence. On 9 November, police arrested human rights defender and trade unionist Mohammad Jewel Miya and at least 5 other grassroots unionists. On 11 November 2023, Jalal Uddin and Anjuara Khatun were killed during the protests at Islam Garments in Gazipur. Cases have been filed against over 11,000 unidentified workers and police have arrested at least 122.