Bangladesh
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
4 July 2020
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Indian and Pakistani health workers strike over coronavirus safety; Australia Paper maintenance workers locked out
Workers Struggles: Asia and Australia
27 June 2020
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Over 1,170 COVID-19 deaths as pandemic surges in Bangladesh
By Wimal Perera, 15 June 2020
The Awami League government ignored warnings by medical experts who publicly opposed any lifting of the lockdown.
India-wide protests by military armament and power industry workers; Australian airport workers demand JobKeeper pay
Workers Struggles: Asia and Australia
6 June 2020
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Bangladesh COVID-19 deaths soar past 500
By Rohantha De Silva, 30 May 2020
The death and infection curves are still rising, but the Awami League government is reopening the economy in the interests of big business.
Indian autoworkers strike for COVID-19 safety measures; Thousands of Bangladeshi garment workers demonstrate
Workers Struggles: Asia and Australia
30 May 2020
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Cyclone Amphan kills over 90 and devastates wide areas of eastern India and Bangladesh
By Arun Kumar, 22 May 2020
Millions of people have been evacuated from cyclone-hit areas in South Asia, but their relocation into overcrowded temporary shelters place them in real danger of contracting COVID-19.
Growing number of Bangladeshi garment workers infected with COVID-19
By Wimal Perera, 18 May 2020
The government is implementing “herd immunity” policies that could lead to the deaths of tens of thousands.
Thousands of migrant workers demonstrate across India; Tamil Nadu cleaners demand COVID-19 protection
Workers Struggles: Asia and Australia
16 May 2020
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Hundreds of Rohingya refugees stranded in Bay of Bengal
By Rohantha De Silva, 11 May 2020
The Rohingya were attempting to reach Malaysia in a bid to escape the appalling conditions in Bangladesh and in the hope of finding work as undocumented labourers.
Workers in India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan strike to demand coronavirus-safe working conditions
Workers Struggles: Asia
9 May 2020
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Garment workers’ protests hit Bangladesh industrial belts
By Wimal Perera, 7 May 2020
Bangladesh garment industry bosses are reopening plants, threatening workers’ lives as COVID-19 spreads, in line with the demands of US and European retailers.
Thousands of Assam tea workers demand lockdown wages in India; Protests continue in Bangladesh over wages, factory closures and safety
Workers Struggles: Asia and Australia
2 May 2020
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Garment workers protest in Bangladesh as COVID-19 spreads
By Wimal Perera, 15 April 2020
Employers have shuttered the plants, sacking thousands of workers and refusing to pay outstanding wages.
Tea estate workers in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, as well as medical workers in India and Papua New Guinea strike over COVID-19 dangers
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
4 April 2020
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Bangladesh: Garment workers strike over safety amid COVID-19 crisis
By Wimal Perera, 1 April 2020
The anger of Bangladeshi factory workers is mounting because they are unable to practice “social distancing” in their plants or during transit.
Pakistan: District government workers strike over unpaid wages; New Zealand plastics workers strike over COVID-19 concerns
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
28 March 2020
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Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
21 March 2020
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
Bangladesh government downplays COVID-19 threat as job losses mount
By Wimal Perera, 16 March 2020
While the Awami League government is seeking to aid industry owners, workers are bearing the brunt of the health crisis.
Indian primary school teachers demonstrate; Sri Lankan police attack sacked public sector workers
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
29 February 2020
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Tamil Nadu public transport workers demonstrate; Sacked Sri Lankan government workers protest; Jetstar baggage handlers on strike in Australia
Workers Struggles: Asia and Australia
22 February 2020
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Folk singers charged for violating Bangladesh’s draconian Digital Security Act
By Wimal Perera, 12 February 2020
In an outrageous attack on democratic rights, Baul singers Rita Dewan and Shariat Sarker face prosecution on bogus claims of “hurting religious sentiments.”
Indian midday-meal workers strike for higher wages; Australian rail workers strike again
Workers Struggles: Asia and Australia
25 January 2020
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Bangladesh prepares to send 100,000 Rohingya refugees to isolated island
By Rohantha De Silva, 23 January 2020
More than 610,000 refugees currently live in overcrowded, prison-like camps surrounded by barbed-wire fences on Cox’s Bazar.
India: Haryana public transport workers strike against outsourcing; Pakistani journalists oppose salary and job cuts
Workers Struggles: Asia and Australia
11 January 2020
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Garbage collectors strike in India’s Maharashtra state capital; military vehicle production workers oppose sackings in Tamil Nadu
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and New Zealand
4 January 2020
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Bangladeshi jute mill unions call off workers’ protests
By Wimal Perera, 3 January 2020
The Awami League-led government, aided and abetted by the unions, is determined to impose the privatisation demands of international banks and investors.
Indian auto parts workers demand union rights; Bangladesh cargo workers on indefinite strike; French Polynesia hotel workers expand walkout
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and New Zealand
30 November 2019
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Indian Honda contract workers still on strike; West Bengal teachers demand pay rise; maintenance workers take industrial action at Australian paper mill
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and New Zealand
16 November 2019
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Honda motorcycle and Kerala state transport workers strike in India; Pakistan health workers oppose privatisation
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
9 November 2019
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Bangladesh: Sixteen sentenced to death over brutal murder of student
By Rohantha De Silva, 2 November 2019
The Bangladeshi government is exploiting outrage over the brutal murder of a young woman to step up its law-and-order attacks on democratic rights.
Bangladesh warns UN officials over Rohingya refugees
By Rohantha De Silva, 26 September 2019
The Bangladesh government is determined to relocate Rohingya refugees to an unsafe and remote island in defiance of opposition from the UN and human rights organisations.
Bangladesh: Thousands of families homeless after fire destroys Dhaka shanty homes
By Wimal Perera, 23 August 2019
The disaster highlights the grim situation facing millions of poor people struggling to survive in megacities around the world.
Bangladesh primary school teachers demand government nationalise schools
By Wimal Perera, 5 August 2019
Even if non-government primary schools are taken over by the Hasina government there is no guarantee that teachers and school staff will be regularly paid.
Office workers killed in building fires in Bangladesh
By Rohantha De Silva, 6 April 2019
Hundreds of residents have been killed or injured in recent years by the regularly occurring fires in the city.
Another devastating fire kills at least 80 in Bangladesh capital
By Sujeewa Amaranath, 22 February 2019
The inferno was fuelled by chemicals stored in the area, despite repeated government promises of crackdowns on building code violations.
Over 7,000 Bangladesh garment workers sacked after wage protests
By Wimal Perera, 8 February 2019
While the garment trade unions publicly bewail the mass sackings and arrests, these organisations have created the political conditions for the crackdown.
Following strike, Bangladesh employers sack hundreds of garment workers
By Rohantha De Silva, 22 January 2019
The workers were not given any warnings and have not been paid outstanding wages and benefits in direct violation of Bangladesh’s limited labour laws.
Bangladesh government oversees police attacks on protesting garment workers
By Wimal Perera, 16 January 2019
The Awami League-led government is seeking to suppress the wages movement with threats, police violence and victimisations.
Worker killed as Bangladesh police attack striking garment workers
By Wimal Perera, 10 January 2019
The re-elected Hasina government is mobilising heavily-armed police to suppress protests by garment workers over wages.
Amid widespread violence, Bangladesh’s ruling party re-elected
By Vimal Perera, 31 December 2018
The opposition parties have condemned the election as “farcical” and demanded a “fresh election under non-partisan administration.”
Bangladesh to relocate Rohingya refugees on remote island
By Rohantha De Silva, 19 December 2018
Nervous about criticism of its plans, the government is attempting to hide information about the new detention facilities and has placed the island under naval control.
Nineteen sentenced to death over 2004 grenade attack in Bangladesh
By Rohantha De Silva, 20 October 2018
The harsh sentences dovetail with a broader crackdown on political opposition by the Awami League-led government.
Bangladesh garment workers denounce minimum wage offer
By Wimal Perera, 20 September 2018
Four million workers in the profitable garment industry have not had a pay rise since 2013.
Bangladesh jute mill workers demonstrate; Paradip port workers strike in Orissa
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
25 August 2018
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Government-backed thugs attack student protests in Bangladesh
By Pradeep Ramanayake, 10 August 2018
Demonstrations involving thousands of teenage students erupted in Dhaka and continued for nine days.
Bangladesh: Police and government thugs attack protesting students and teachers
By Rohantha De Silva, 3 August 2018
The Awami League-led government has encouraged the ruling party’s notoriously violent youth movement to assault demonstrators.
Millions of refugees face harsh conditions across South Asia
By Rohantha De Silva, 13 July 2018
The plight of millions of refugees in South Asia is a damning indictment of the imperialist powers and the regional ruling elites.
Bangladesh government intensifies “anti-drug” crackdown
By Wimal Perera, 25 June 2018
The crackdown is being used to target political opponents and suppress the mounting popular opposition to Hasina’s big business policies.
Over 100 killed in Bangladesh “anti-drug” crackdown
By Wimal Perera, 2 June 2018
Hundreds of police and Rapid Action Battalion personnel are being mobilised against slum dwellers.
Rohingya refugees face catastrophe in Bangladesh
By Rohantha De Silva, 31 May 2018
Despite hypocritical statements of concern by the major world powers, Rohingya are at risk from landslides, floods and epidemics this monsoon season.
Bangladesh students demonstrate over job quota system
By Wimal Perera, 19 May 2018
Protesting students face government repression, severe unemployment and lack of facilities.
Income inequality worsening in Bangladesh
By Sujeewa Amaranath, 1 May 2018
Official statistics contradict World Bank and the Bangladeshi government claims of “remarkable progress in poverty reduction.”
Bangladesh garment workers jailed on bogus attempted murder charges
By Wimal Perera, 9 April 2018
The charges follow a series of provocations against workers at the Ashiana Garments plant, south of Dhaka.
Bangladesh opposition leader jailed for five years on corruption charges
By Rohantha De Silva, 22 February 2018
Prime Minister Sheik Hasina’s Awami League government is trying to bar Khaleda Zia from contesting the December elections.
WSWS call to fight Internet censorship published in Urdu, Bengali, and Telugu
21 February 2018
The US government, in close collaboration with Google, Facebook, and other giant IT corporations, is implementing massive restrictions on Internet access to socialist, antiwar and progressive websites.
Bangladeshi teachers end “fast-unto-death”
By Nancy Hanover, 8 January 2018
“It is better to die here than return home with empty hands,” said one of thousands of Bangladeshi teachers fighting for a government-paid salary.
India strengthens its relations with Bangladesh
By Rohantha De Silva, 11 November 2017
India is pursuing its geo-political interests, while also acting on behalf of Washington.
Global Hunger Index highlights South Asia’s social misery
By Saman Gunadasa, 3 November 2017
While millions of people lack basic food security, governments are cutting social spending and allocating billions to the military.
Government indifference leads to vast death toll in South Asian floods
By Arun Kumar, 1 September 2017
Despite regular floods and monsoons, governments in India, Bangladesh and Nepal have not implemented any serious measures to protect ordinary people.
Growing concerns in Bangladesh over India-China tensions
By Rohantha De Silva, 28 August 2017
The rivalry between these two nuclear armed countries could develop into a war has far-reaching implications for South Asia and internationally.
Bangladesh finance minister to revise country’s budget
By Wimal Perera, 2 August 2017
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, fearful of the popular opposition to her already discredited government, has intervened and postponed the VAT increase.
Floods devastate Bangladesh and parts of India, killing more than 185
By Rohantha De Silva, 26 June 2017
Those most affected are the rural poor, low-wage workers and rickshaw pullers living in flood- and landslide-prone areas, where living costs are relatively low.
Four years since the Rana Plaza disaster
Bangladesh apparel workers still confront appalling conditions
By Sarath Kumara, 13 June 2017
Four years after the collapse of the Rana Plaza building in Bangladesh, garment workers continue to labour in unsafe conditions for very low wages.
India strengthens defence ties with Bangladesh
By Sarath Kumara, 18 April 2017
The Indian government, in line with US geo-strategic manoeuvres, is attempting to reduce Bangladesh’s military and economic reliance on China.
Bangladesh government continues repression against garment workers
By Sarath Kumara, 3 March 2017
Although some detained labour activists have been released, several workers are still in custody and the authorities are continuing to press unsubstantiated charges.
Bangladesh government continues repression of apparel workers
By Sarath Kumara, 4 February 2017
International retail corporations are concerned that the government’s actions will spark industrial struggles and impact on investor profits.
Bangladesh government opens apparel factory in prison
By Rohantha De Silva and Wimal Perera, 30 January 2017
The new prison factory will be used to lower wages and worsen conditions throughout the garment industry.
Government and employers attack striking apparel workers in Bangladesh
By Wimal Perera, 13 January 2017
The repression is aimed at preventing a broader eruption by workers against their appalling living and working conditions.
Indian defence minister visits Bangladesh
By Sarath Kumara, 8 December 2016
The visit underscores India’s growing efforts—backed by Washington—to bring Bangladesh into its orbit, undercutting China’s influence.
Chinese president’s visit to Bangladesh highlights growing rivalry in South Asia
By Sarath Kumara, 5 November 2016
Xi’s trip was aimed at countering the efforts of India, backed by the US, to undermine Chinese influence in Bangladesh.
Death toll rises in Bangladesh factory fire
By Sarath Kumara, 16 September 2016
The Tampaco Foils disaster highlights the unsafe conditions and shoddy construction for which Bangladesh is now notorious.
Rana Plaza disaster case postponed in Bangladesh
By Sarath Kumara, 3 September 2016
The court delay further underscores the indifference of all sections of the ruling elite for the plight of garment workers.
Dhaka hostage crisis ends in a violent military assault
By Deepal Jayasekera, 4 July 2016
Whoever the perpetrators of Dhaka hostage-taking, this type of terrorism has been fomented by the US-led wars in the Middle East.
Chinese defence minister seeks to boost ties with Bangladesh
By Sarath Kumara, 16 June 2016
In line with Washington’s “pivot” to Asia, India and Japan are attempting to undermine Chinese influence in Bangladesh and throughout the region.
Indian power deal with Bangladesh highlights geo-political rivalry
By Sarath Kumara, 5 March 2016
Intense competition over infrastructure projects in Bangladesh shows that every country is being drawn into the maelstrom of war tensions created by the US drive against China.
Bangladesh tea estate workers oppose government’s land seizures
By Wimal Perera, 9 February 2016
The government wants the land in order to expand the number of cheap labour Economic Zones.
Bangladeshi government executes two opposition leaders
By Sarath Kumara, 23 November 2015
The Awami League-led government revived the 1971 charges as a means of diverting working class and student discontent.
Bangladeshi government confronts rising popular discontent
By Wimal Perera, 25 September 2015
The Awami League-led government’s imposition of austerity measures is provoking unrest among students, teachers and workers.
Japan competes with China over port investment in Bangladesh
By Sarath Kumara, 22 July 2015
In line with the US “pivot,” Japan hopes that its Bangladesh investments will boost its political weight in South Asia and undercut Chinese influence.
Bangladesh budget: More concessions to investors, increased austerity for poor
By Wimal Perera, 23 June 2015
The Awami League-led government’s attempts to create more profitable conditions for business are deepening the attacks on the living conditions of the workers and poor.
Indian prime minister visits Bangladesh to strengthen ties against China
By Deepal Jayasekera, 12 June 2015
Modi and his Bangladeshi counterpart declared that bilateral relations had entered a new phase.
Two years since the Rana Plaza collapse in Bangladesh
By Sarath Kumara, 5 May 2015
The brutal exploitation of Bangladeshi workers continues as profit-hungry global retailers demand lower-cost goods.
New Zealand shared intelligence with Bangladesh’s repressive agencies
By Tom Peters, 18 April 2015
Documents leaked by Edward Snowden show that NZ’s spy agency, the GCSB, has supported Bangladesh’s notorious security apparatus for at least 12 years.
Political turmoil continues in Bangladesh
By Sarath Kumara, 15 April 2015
Nothing has been resolved in the protracted confrontation between the ruling Awami League and opposition Bangladesh National Party (BNP).
Six dead in Bangladesh factory collapse
By Peter Symonds, 13 March 2015
Nearly two years after the Rana Plaza disaster claimed more than 1,120 lives, shoddy and unsafe building standards remain the norm in Bangladesh.
Mounting anger over Bangladeshi ferry disasters
By Wimal Perera, 9 March 2015
Ferry owners maximise their profits by violating safety rules and regulations in league with government authorities at the expense of passengers’ lives.
Bangladesh plastics factory fire kills 13 workers
By John Lucas, 3 February 2015
An exploding gas cylinder is believed to have sparked a fatal fire in one of Dhaka’s many illegal factories.
Massive power outage in Bangladesh
By W.A. Sunil, 5 November 2014
A fault at a transmission station on Saturday left the entire country without power for 12 hours.
Death sentence for Bangladesh Islamic leader commuted
By Sarath Kumara, 3 October 2014
The ruling is in line with the Hasina government’s manoeuvres against the opposition Bangladesh National Party and other political rivals.
Bangladesh Tuba garment workers confronted by plant closures
By Wimal Perera, 27 August 2014
In order to close down the factories and evade his outstanding liabilities to workers, the owner invoked the 2006 Bangladesh Labour Act.
Bangladesh’s government mobilises police to attack striking garment workers
By Wimal Perera, 14 August 2014
The government’s response revealed concerns in ruling circles that the Tuba workers’ struggle could become a rallying point for all garment workers.
Bangladesh jute workers oppose government’s privatisation drive
By Wimal Perera, 24 July 2014
The jute mill protests point to rising class battles amid the deepening impact of the post-2008 global recession.
Bangladesh ferry sinks killing at least 54
By Wimal Perera, 22 May 2014
Successive governments have failed to end dangerous overcrowding and the flouting of other safety regulations by ferry owners.
India: Modi reiterates pledge to expel “Bangladeshi” Muslims in wake of communal massacre
By Deepal Jayasekera, 8 May 2014
In the wake of the communal massacre of more than three dozen Muslims in Assam, BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi has amplified his communally-charged denunciations of Bangladeshi Muslim migrants.
One year after Rana Plaza collapse
Bangladesh garment workers still face dangerous conditions
By Sarath Kumara, 4 April 2014
A limited investigation shows that many garment factories are structurally unsound and lack basic fire protections.
Bangladeshi government appeals for military backing
By Sarath Kumara, 15 February 2014
The government’s immediate target is the official opposition, but its main concern is rising discontent in the working class.
Bangladesh election impasse heightens amid geo-political tensions
By Sarath Kumara, 23 January 2014
The longstanding rivalry between the ruling Awami League and BNP is now intersecting with mounting tensions between the US and China.
An exchange with the Bangladeshi ambassador to the US
By K. Ratnayake, 17 January 2014
The WSWS replies to criticisms by Bangladesh’s ambassador of an article detailing the plight of the victims of the Rana Plaza building collapse.
Sham election deepens Bangladesh political crisis
By K. Ratnayake, 7 January 2014
The election was marked by a low turnout of 25 percent, police violence and clashes between the two main rival parties.
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