Bangladesh Violence Closes 100 Garment Factories

DHAKA, Bangladesh November 11, 2013 (AP) –Garment workers demanding higher pay have clashed with police and attacked factories in an industrial belt on the outskirts of Bangladesh’s capital.

The workers have rejected a proposed 5,300 takas ($66.25) monthly minimum wage, a raise by 77 percent. They demand 8,114 takas ($100) instead.

Industrial Police Director Mustafizur Rahman says at least 100 factories have been closed in Ashulia and Savar areas to avoid further violence after the clash started Monday morning.

Rahman would not say if there were any injuries, but a television station says up to 30 people have been hurt.

A government-appointed panel voted for the $66.25 minimum wage last week, but factory owners have not endorsed it. That amount would still be the lowest in the world.