Dhaka, Nov. 4 -- Garment workers across industrial hubs have taken to the streets over low wages and rising living costs, often without union direction.

Protests have spread from Mirpur and Gazipur to Savar, Ashulia and Narayanganj, as workers join after seeing nearby factory employees demonstrate.

In Fatullah's Shibu Market, Metro Knitting and Dyeing Mills workers joined a road blockade after lunch on Tuesday, following employees of a neighbouring factory.

Rezaul Karim said they joined after seeing others protest. Management did not stop them.

Workers cite rising prices, stagnant wages, a delayed wage board, unpaid salaries, blacklisting, alleged workplace abuse and higher rents.

In Mirpur, they are demanding a minimum monthly wage ...