[Bangladesh] Minimum wage for EPZ workers set between Tk12,800 and Tk14,025

The minimum wage for workers in Bangladesh’s Export Processing Zones (EPZs) has been set between Tk12,800 and Tk14,025. The rate will vary depending on the sector, The Business Standard reports.

The updated wage policy came into effect on December 1.

The newly established minimum wage rates reportedly represent a significant increase from 50 per cent to 56 per cent higher than the previous wage structure. 

On December 7, the Bangladesh Export Processing Zone Authority (BEPZA) - operating under the Prime Minister's Office - issued the official gazette finalising the new wage rates.

The gazette outlines four distinct pay structures corresponding to different types of industrial establishments.

A minimum wage of Tk10,175 has been fixed for apprentice workers across all types of establishments.

In specific sectors, such as clothing and clothing materials, shoes and shoe materials, leather products, service providers, tents and tent materials, plastic products, toys, caps and hats, and related companies, the minimum wage for the lowest grade helper or assistant has reportedly been set at Tk12,800. The highest grade for skilled workers now has a finalised minimum wage of Tk17,000.

For electronic and electrical products, software, lens and glass products, metal and metal casting, automobile and auto parts, bicycle, heavy industry, cosmetic, boat, golf shaft, fishing equipment, and other related establishments, the minimum wage for the lowest grade junior operator is now set at Tk14,025. The highest senior operator grade minimum wage is Tk15,950.

In industries related to textile, chemical, dyeing, oil and refinery, agricultural products, furniture, wood and bamboo products, terry towels, sweaters, wigs, and other related establishments, the minimum wage for the lowest grade unskilled level is fixed at Tk13,250. The highest highly skilled grade reportedly has a finalised minimum wage of Tk17,000.

Source: The Business Standard

The minimum wage for workers in Bangladesh’s Export Processing Zones (EPZs) has been set between Tk12,800 and Tk14,025. The rate will vary depending on the sector, The Business Standard reports.

The updated wage policy came into effect on December 1.

The newly established minimum wage rates reportedly represent a significant increase from 50 per cent to 56 per cent higher than the previous wage structure. 

On December 7, the Bangladesh Export Processing Zone Authority (BEPZA) - operating under the Prime Minister's Office - issued the official gazette finalising the new wage rates.

The gazette outlines four distinct pay structures corresponding to different types of industrial establishments.

A minimum wage of Tk10,175 has been fixed for apprentice workers across all types of establishments.

In specific sectors, such as clothing and clothing materials, shoes and shoe materials, leather products, service providers, tents and tent materials, plastic products, toys, caps and hats, and related companies, the minimum wage for the lowest grade helper or assistant has reportedly been set at Tk12,800. The highest grade for skilled workers now has a finalised minimum wage of Tk17,000.

For electronic and electrical products, software, lens and glass products, metal and metal casting, automobile and auto parts, bicycle, heavy industry, cosmetic, boat, golf shaft, fishing equipment, and other related establishments, the minimum wage for the lowest grade junior operator is now set at Tk14,025. The highest senior operator grade minimum wage is Tk15,950.

In industries related to textile, chemical, dyeing, oil and refinery, agricultural products, furniture, wood and bamboo products, terry towels, sweaters, wigs, and other related establishments, the minimum wage for the lowest grade unskilled level is fixed at Tk13,250. The highest highly skilled grade reportedly has a finalised minimum wage of Tk17,000.

Source: The Business Standard