The United States denounces the criminalization of lawful labor and trade union activity as well as the recent violence against Bangladeshi workers who are protesting the minimum wage. We were shocked to learn that Rasel Howlader, a 26-year-old Sommilito Garments Sramik Federation factory worker and union member, had reportedly been killed by police last week. We also lament the death of 32-year-old laborer Imran Hossain, who perished in a protest-started fire in a Dhaka factory. We offer our sympathies to their families as well as the larger labor community.
The continued persecution of laborers and trade unions worries us as well. We demand that the Bangladeshi government uphold the freedom of laborers to peacefully demonstrate and look into reports that labor leaders and employees have been falsely charged with crimes.
We applaud the private sector employees who have supported union demands for a fair pay raise. The United States requests that the tripartite process reconsider the minimum wage ruling in order to make sure that it takes into account the increasing financial strain that employees and their families are experiencing.
Governments have to make sure that employees can exercise their rights to collective bargaining and freedom of association without worrying about intimidation, violence, or retaliation. We are steadfastly devoted to achieving these essential human rights through our work in Bangladesh and around the world.
