Speaking in parliament on Thursday opposition Jatiya Party MPs strongly demanded an increase in the wage for the country’s garment workers and protection of their rights.

While participating in the discussion on Labour (amendment) Bill, the opposition lawmakers feared instability in the country if workers don’t remain satisfied with the existing wage.

“A worker who works in the industry cannot afford to eat for the whole month and cannot pay child's school fees with the current monthly wage. The salary is barely good for 20 days. This has to be considered,” JP MP Shameem Haider Patwary said.

He also said that some quarters argue that if the salary of garment workers is increased much, some factories will be forced to shut down.

“You (owners of factories) have made profits for the last 25 years. Can’t take a risk for two years? They have made three, four, five houses. They are providing better education to their sons and daughters at home and abroad,” he said.

He also said that garment factory owners will have to take the risk of raising wage of workers.

“Besides, the price should be increased by negotiating with foreign buyers. The country will not be at ease if the workers are not in a comfortable situation by coordinating everything,” Shameem also said.

He said the people luxury houses and smart factories of garment owners. But garment workers' health is not improving.

“When I walk in the morning, I see thousands of girls walking, all of them are skinny. No one's health is good, can't eat properly. They cannot afford an egg even once a week,” he said.

Fakhrul Imam, another JP lawmaker, said that today the garments industry is in difficult situation. The government and factory owners should pay attention to the situation.