The clothing industry in Bangladesh witnessed the closure of 150 factories this Saturday, for an unspecified duration, as the textile sector organized protests demanding wage increases. Police responded by accusing 11,000 workers of engaging in violent activities, according to authorities.

This impoverished South Asian country has experienced widespread strikes and protests, resulting in the death of at least three workers and the destruction or looting of over 70 factories, according to police reports.

The Minimum Wage Board for the textile sector presented a proposal this week for a 56.25% increase in the basic monthly salary for the sector’s four million workers, reaching 12,500 taka (104 euros).

However, unions promptly rejected the proposal, deeming it absurd.

Bangladesh is home to around 3,500 textile factories, with the sector representing approximately 85% of the country’s annual exports valued at around 55 billion dollars. These exports supply numerous prominent fashion brands worldwide.