Two global union federations — Union Network International and IndustriALL — have urged global fashion brands to remain committed to Bangladesh amidst the country’s political upheaval, emphasising the critical role the garment industry plays in the nation’s economy and democratic future.

In a letter to 200 signatories of the International Accord, a factory safety initiative in Bangladesh, the unions called for continued engagement during this volatile period.

The call to action came in the wake of the fall of Sheikh Hasina-led government on August 5 and fleeing of Sheikh Hasina after resigning as prime minister following a student led mass-uprising.

The protests, which were met with a violent government crackdown, resulted in over 650 deaths.

UNI Global Union and IndustriALL emphasised that this turmoil highlighted the need for stability, which the garment industry can support by keeping workers paid and the economy active.

The unions highlighted the garment sector as the backbone of the Bangladeshi economy, noting that improvements in worker safety through the International Accord have lifted millions out of poverty.

The global unions also appealed to the brands to be flexible with their Bangladeshi suppliers, recognising that the political situation might disrupt orders.

They emphasised the importance of paying workers their regular salaries for July and August and continuing to source from Bangladesh during this challenging time.

By doing so, the brands would support not only the economic stability but also the democratic rebuilding of the country, the statement mentioned.

‘The people’s actions in toppling a discredited government, as we have witnessed in Bangladesh, provides hope for a better future. In the immediate term, this has also led to great social upheaval and economic disruption, which trade unions, workers and its new leaders are working to address,’ UNI deputy general secretary Alke Boessiger and IndustriALL general secretary Atle Høie said in the joint letter to brands.

‘As the country strives to restore order and build a new democracy, economic stability is essential…The garment industry has a major role to play in stabilising the country and ensuring a regular income for workers,’ the letter said.

National Garment Workers Federation, affiliated with IndustriALL and supported by UNI Global Union, demanded justice for the killings of 11 garment workers, including five NGWF members, and called for accountability for those responsible.

The federation called for advanced medical treatment for injured workers and immediate, unconditional release of all arrested garment workers.

The NGWF also sought proper compensation for the families of those killed and injured, as well as an immediate increase in wages, replacing ‘minimum wage’ with ‘living wage’ or ‘decent wage’.