Labour Majlis has demanded that the government set the minimum monthly wage for garment workers at Tk 30,000, form a universal wage board, stop workplace harassment and reopen closed factories to address growing discontent in the country`s garment sector.

 The organisation made the demands at a protest rally and procession organised by its Dhaka Metropolitan unit in the capital on Friday, November 6.

The rally was held after Juma prayers at the north gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque. Following the gathering, workers and leaders brought out a procession, calling for immediate measures to protect workers` rights and restore stability in industrial areas.

Addressing the rally as the chief guest, Labour Majlis Central President Professor Abdul Karim blamed successive governments, including the current administration, for taking ineffective measures and making hasty decisions over wage determination, which he said had contributed to continuing labour unrest.

"The government must understand that it has been formed through the blood of workers. Therefore, any repression of workers or arbitrary decisions against their interests will undermine the country`s prospects for sustainable governance and create fresh instability," he said.

He urged the government to adopt a worker-friendly approach and resolve the ongoing disputes through meaningful dialogue rather than coercive measures.

The rally was presided over by Maulana Khaled Sanowar, president of Labour Majlis Dhaka Metropolitan South. Its Secretary General HM Ershad, Professor Maulana Azizul Haque, president of Khelafat Majlis Dhaka Metropolitan South, Maulana Azizul Haque, general secretary of the metropolitan North unit, and Engineer Sheikh Matiur Rahman, central organising secretary of Labour Majlis, addressed the gathering as special guests.

The programme was conducted by Muhammad Sirajul Islam, general secretary of Labour Majlis Dhaka Metropolitan North.

Among others, Labour Majlis central Vice-President Alhaj Md Siddiqur Rahman, Joint Secretary General Engineer Hafiz Tarikul Islam, central executive members Maulana Ataul Haque, Dr Abu Bakar Siddique and Md Faruk Hossain, and Islamic Youth Majlis Central Organising Secretary Engineer Hasan Saki attended the rally.

Leaders of the organisation`s metropolitan units and former student leader Monir Hossain were also present, alongside workers and activists from different levels of the organisation.

The speakers called for immediate acceptance of garment workers` legitimate demands, stressing that fair wages, workplace security and an end to harassment were essential to restoring industrial peace.

They warned that unresolved grievances could further aggravate tensions in the country`s vital garment industry and urged the government to take effective steps to protect workers` interests while ensuring stability in the sector.