“The US Department of Labor is deeply concerned by the increase in violence and crackdown on workers and trade unionists in connection with Bangladesh’s minimum wage review. The department condemns the alleged police shooting of Russell Howlader on October 30, 2023, and Anjuara Khatoon today (Wednesday),” the statement said.
It added, “Howlader, a 26-year-old maintenance operator at the Design Express factory and member of the Somilito Garments workers federation, was killed during a protest. Khatun, a 23-year-old sewing machine operator and mother of two, was also killed during a protest.