On 25 June 2023, it was reported that union leader Shahidul Islam from the Bangladesh Garment and Industrial Workers Federation (BGIWF) had been killed after trying to settle a wage dispute between garment workers and Jacquard Sweater Ltd garment factory in Gazipur, Bangladesh.

Prior to his killing, Islam had been trying to settle the dispute over two and a half months' worth of unpaid salaries and Eid bonus, following worker protests on 21 June. Following the protests, the factory authorities promised to pay the workers' wages and bonus before Eid. However, when workers returned to the factory to collect their wages, the factory did not pay them, leading to the workers resuming protests and requesting Islam and other union leaders speak to management on their behalf.

The leaders met with the factory management, and announced that a complaint would be filed to the Department Of Factory Inspection and Establishment. After leaving the meeting, a group of people reportedly grabbed Islam and began to beat him, kicking him 'mercilessly', while also attacking the other union leaders. Islam was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Three more leaders, Md Mostafa Kamal, Ahmed Sharif and Akkas Ali, were injured in the attack.

Trade unionists report that the 'mercenaries' were working for the factory, and believe that Islam's killing was a warning to other organisers and activists in the sector. The factory management denies its involvement.

The murder of Shahidul Islam led to several hundred garment workers and labour activists taking to the streets to protest the killing, and demand the arrest of those involved. According to IndustriALL Bangladesh Council, simultaneous protests were staged in other industrial areas, including Chattogram, Narayanganh, Ashulia and Savar. Labour leaders have threatened to stage a nationwide strike if justice is not ensured by the government.

It is reported that Kalpona Akhter, President of BGIWF, has filed a murder case accusing six people of killing the labour leader, and some five to seven unnamed individuals. Police have reportedly arrested two accused in the case.

You can find updates and solidarity statements below.