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The pandemic forced 800-1,000 factories to shut down, reducing operational units to just over 3,500.

Subsequent political unrest in July-August 2024 deepened the crisis, with many factory owners abandoning operations. Nearly 1.5 million workers lost their jobs, with women disproportionately affected.

Many have since moved into informal subcontracting factories, where wages have dropped sharply -- from around Tk 17,000 to Tk 9,000-10,000, now employing more than one million workers.

Following August 5, 2024, workers returned to the streets demanding a 15 percent wage increase -- a demand raised since 2023, met with police force and reports of lethal crackdowns.

Meanwhile, according to a 2026 report from the International Corporate Accountability Roundtable, 80 percent of workers in Bangladeshi garment factories “have experienced or witnessed sexual violence and harassment at work”.

Rising workplace psychological abuse (48 percent to 55 percent) was also reported, and most victims did not seek help.

Additionally, though the Bangladesh Labour Act 2006 requires factories employing 40 or more female workers to provide daycare, compliance is inconsistent, with existing centres varying widely in quality and accessibility. Many centres function as symbolic “checkbox” measures rather than child-centred environments.

Contacted, Moshrrefa Mishu, president of the Garments Sramik Unity Forum and general secretary of the Ganatantrik Biplobi Party, said workers’ conditions have not improved despite decades of growth.

“Although the garment industry began in 1978, there has been no real change in workers’ conditions. Injured workers often receive no compensation or medical support. Many have lost limbs and received nothing in return, while those killed are quickly forgotten. Regardless of which government comes to power, workers remain neglected.

“Women workers still live in slums and lack basic rights despite the industry’s global recognition. When we protested for fair wages, we were beaten. Police opened fire, leaving many dead and injured.”

She added, “There has been no accountability for abuses. Workers in Bangladesh remain among the lowest paid, and although the ministries are aware, they do not engage with workers…. Women are especially disadvantaged, earning extremely low wages despite their contribution. Workers’ rights are rarely discussed in parliament.

“With factories shutting down, unemployment is rising. We demand a wage board to ensure fair pay.”

Anwar-Ul-Alam Chowdhury Parvez, former president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), however, said, “Gender is not considered when it comes to work or wages in the garment sector. However, there are certain physically demanding roles where women may not be able to work, as those can be risky for them. If, in such contexts, wages differ, that can create complications. In hazardous positions, higher wages are generally offered.”

“Overall, there is little gender disparity in the garment sector. In fact, women make up the majority of the workforce -- if discrimination were widespread, they would have raised their voices....”

He added, “I believe gender discrimination in our sector has significantly decreased. The earlier notion of systemic bias against women has largely diminished. Now, placement depends on individual capability -- the more competent a person is, the better the position they receive. Women’s participation has somewhat declined over the past year or so due to deteriorating law and order conditions, which have made many feel unsafe. Additionally, in some cases, even when employers are willing to hire women, they may lack the necessary skills.

“As for sexual harassment, it is now virtually nonexistent within factories. There is strong bonding among workers, and incidents have dropped significantly. Factory regulations are strict, and complaints can be lodged easily. I can confidently say that among all workplaces in Bangladesh, the garment sector is one of the safest.”

To this, Moshrrefa Mishu said the former BGMEA president’s statement is “completely false and unreal”.

“It is not surprising that owners speak from their own side, but they do not see the real conditions of workers. Every day, there are cases of sexual harassment -- unwanted touching and verbal abuse are very common for women workers.

“In his comment, he is simply hiding the ground reality of the garment sector. Just a few days ago, on May 1, I visited several factories and spoke to women workers to ask if their conditions had changed... They said they do not get ‘ijjot’ (respect) there. If they had other opportunities, they would not stay there even for a moment.”