Dhaka, Nov. 3 -- In Ashulia's Nishchintapur, the factory whistle marks the start of the working day. For Nasima Akter, however, the day begins earlier still. She finishes the household chores before rushing to the factory, where she works as a sewing-machine operator, stitching garments from morning until night.

Years hunched over a machine have left her with back pain and tired eyes. Her body no longer keeps pace with the demands of the job. Yet, after all those hours, she takes home just Tk 14,500 a month.

That money must support six people: her elderly parents, younger siblings and children. Rent and the cost of essentials such as rice, lentils, oil and vegetables consume almost all her wages. Little remains for emergencies, let alon...