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so we took to the streets to demand a wage increase,” said Koli Begum, a garment worker, who was part of the demonstration at Mirpur-10 yesterday.

Koli, a senior swing machine operator, gets a monthly salary of Tk 13,000 including overtime. Her husband, also a garment worker, gets Tk 15,000.

“The salary was quite enough just a couple of years back. But now, with two kids, it’s getting difficult to survive,” added Koli.

RMG workers are demanding a minimum monthly salary of Tk 20,000 for a swing machine operator and Tk 15,000 for helpers.

Contacted, Shahidullah Azim, senior vice president of BGMEA, said he is aware about the protest and demands, but it will not be possible to increase wages, due to the ongoing global crisis. He alleged that the incident was instigated by an influential quarter.