HRW calls for police restraint as garment workers stage demonstrations

Human Rights Watch has called on police to refrain from using disproportionate force against garment workers participating in demonstrations, raising concerns about the treatment of protesters in the sector that forms a cornerstone of Bangladesh's economy.

The international rights organization's statement reflects growing tensions within the garment industry, where workers have periodically staged strikes and protests over wages, working conditions, and labor rights. Such actions have historically drawn varying police responses, prompting calls from advocacy groups for consistent adherence to international standards governing crowd control.

The appeal underscores the delicate balance between maintaining public order and protecting workers' fundamental rights to peaceful assembly and protest. Bangladesh's garment sector, which employs millions and generates substantial export revenues, has long been a focal point for labor rights discussions on the international stage.

Authorities have not yet publicly responded to the rights group's statement. The call comes amid ongoing efforts by various stakeholders, including factory owners, worker representatives, and government bodies, to establish sustainable labor practices across the industry.