Workers’ fight for decent wages has been ongoing in Bangladesh, as has government repression whenever workers organize to achieve improved wages and working conditions.

In December 2016, worker protests for decent wages were met with violent crackdowns by national and industrial police forces. Despite the repression, workers have continued to mobilize and lobby industry and government for substantial increases to the country’s minimum wage.

Two recent reports conclude that despite brand involvement with different living wage initiatives, improvements on the issue have been limited. These reports highlight the need for enforceable brand agreements to pay a living wage worldwide.