Dhaka: Violent protests have erupted in Bangladesh over demands for higher wages, with thousands of garment workers taking to the streets in the capital Dhaka and neighbouring Gazipur.

The demonstrations, which began over demands for a significant salary hike, reportedly turned violent, with incidents of vandalism, arson and clashes between police and protesters reported from several locations. To control the situation, the authorities have deployed large numbers of police personnel and Border Guard Bangladesh, or BGB, troops in industrial areas.

The protesting workers are demanding that their minimum monthly wage be increased from 12,500 taka to 30,000 taka — a proposed hike of around 140 per cent.

Workers say rising inflation has made it increasingly difficult to manage household expenses. The cost of essential food items, house rent, transportation and healthcare has continued to rise, leaving many families struggling to make ends meet on their existing salaries.

The wage dispute has intensified following the announcement of a new pay structure for government employees. Garment workers are now demanding a substantial increase in their own wages.

In an effort to resolve the issue, the Bangladesh government has formed a six-member wage board. However, the move has so far failed to bring the protests to an end.

Tension continues in several industrial areas of Dhaka and Gazipur. Factory operations have been affected, raising concerns over disruptions to garment production and export shipments.

The garment sector is a major pillar of Bangladesh’s economy. It employs around 4 million people and contributes more than 80 per cent of the country's total exports.

Prolonged unrest could therefore affect factory output, international export orders and employment. The continuing wage dispute also presents a wider challenge to Bangladesh’s economic stability.

With workers demanding better pay and authorities trying to restore normalcy, the situation remains tense across several industrial hubs.