Taslima Akhter

July uprising in the lives of garment workers

Garment workers, earning a meagre Tk 12,500, found themselves united with the students and the public in their shared struggle against deprivation and discrimination. Over the past 15 years, every time they took to the streets to protest injustices, they were brutally silenced through violence, torture, attacks, lawsuits, and even murder. The history of the July uprising must also include the struggles and sacrifices of the working class, who are the driving force of the economy. Their voices must be represented at the national policy level.

3m ago

Ensure fair treatment of garment workers during Eid

Garment workers' bonuses and payments are either not paid on time or not at the proper rate.

6m ago

Will our RMG workers get an acceptable living wage?

The reaction of the owners to the workers' legitimate demand, however, has been totally unacceptable.

1y ago

Don't RMG workers deserve a dignified life?

The workers protesting for a minimum wage of Tk 25,000, but those in power are concocting ways to thwart this mission.

1y ago

How much longer will RMG workers have to shoulder losses, but not profits?

Behind the scenes of ‘Made in Bangladesh’

2y ago

When will we hear stories of workers’ lives truly improving?

This year’s May Day, now in its 136th year, follows the golden jubilee of Bangladesh’s independence. Since our independence, the success of Bangladesh’s garments sector has featured repeatedly and prominently in national and international forums.

2y ago

The Leave Trap

This song “Eight Hours”, penned by IG Blanchard and composed by Reverend Jesse H Jones, gained popularity towards the end of the 19th century, eight years before the advent of May Day. They were both residents of Boston.

5y ago

From Triangle to Rana Plaza: Workers must be the priority

Over four million people's lives are closely intertwined with the ready-made garments (RMG) industry in Bangladesh—as are the deaths of over a thousand workers of Rana Plaza, which collapsed on this day six years ago. I remember it was a day of scorching sunshine. The Bengali New Year had begun only ten days earlier. This is usually a time of joy and celebration when people take a fresh look at their life and make plans that would change their future. What was it like for those ill-fated workers?

5y ago
March 3, 2017
March 3, 2017

Why higher minimum wage is also a woman's issue

International Women's Day is just around the corner. Every year this day brings with it a fresh calculation of the triumphs and losses of the women's movement.

May 1, 2016
May 1, 2016

May Day and the politics of 'Made in Bangladesh'

How are our workers? How well are they playing their role in the development of the country? Has the government really become

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