They have also urged the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) to keep all garment units closed on May 1 to observe the international workers' solidarity day.

Addressing a press conference in Dhaka yesterday, Towhidur Rahman, coordinator of BGWUC, said the government fixed the workers' wages at Tk930 including medical allowance and house rent in 1994.

"Ten years have passed since then and the government is yet to declare a new wage structure for us," he said.

The BGWUC leader further urged the BGMEA, the apex body in RMG sector, to implement the bilateral agreements that were signed between the two sides on several issues.

"Starting from 1997, the BGWUC signed several bilateral agreements with the BGMEA on issues such as providing identity cards for the workers, declaring weekly holiday and arranging maternal leave with full salary," Rahman told the press.

"But, the fact is that most of the garment factories are not complying with these agreements,"

To grasp their demands, the council also declared a movement that includes holding rally at Muktangon on April 15, forming human chain in front of the BGMEA office on April 23 and a grand rally on May 1.

"If the government and the BGMEA do not take immediate initiatives on our demands, we will go for a tougher movement and it will be declared on May 1," Rahman added.

Among other members of the BGWUC, Amirul Haque Amin, Salauddin Saupon, M Delwar Hossain, Sirajul Islam Rony, Quazi Mohammad Ali, Zahanara Begum, Rokeya Sultana Anzu, BM Abul Hossain and Mohammad Rafique were also present at the meeting.