The Life Struggles of Female Garment Workers in Bangladesh

Long before dawn, the arduous life struggle of female garment workers in Bangladesh begins. Having migrated from rural areas in search of a better future, these resilient women serve as a primary driving force behind the nation’s economy. They endure unspeakable hardships, social neglect, and boundless discrimination, working tirelessly day after day.

As the melodious call to Fazr prayer resonates, their mechanical and hectic daily routine commences. Despite the lingering sleep in their eyes, they have no choice but to leave their beds. Their entire day is consumed by the grind of traffic congestion, overtime hours, and the rigid, demanding rules of the factory. By the time they return home late at night, they are left with no energy whatsoever. This exhausting, repetitive cycle is the cruel, everyday reality of their lives.

Dark, filthy, and damp, the cramped rooms in industrial zones serve as the only shelter for these unfortunate women. They are forced to live in subhuman conditions within these airless, lightless, and uninhabitable quarters. The dampness—marked by salt-crusted, crumbling walls—and the persistent moisture on the floors take a constant toll on their health. Living packed together in such confined spaces, they are highly susceptible to the spread of infectious diseases. It is in these unhygienic environments that they spend their weary nights.

Each morning, long and frustrating waits ensue just to access the communal water supply or the bathroom. In these settlements, a single kitchen and bathroom are often shared among ten families. The desperate need to reach the factory on time triggers intense competition and frequent arguments from the early hours of the morning. Often, the rush to secure a turn means there is no time left to prepare a morning meal.

Inside the factory walls, the verbal abuse from supervisors and the crushing pressure to meet production targets leave these women weeping in silence. Even when ill, they are frequently denied leave, often finding themselves retreating to the factory restrooms just to shed their tears in private. When the meager wages arrive at the end of the month, it is truly heartbreaking. Sacrificing their own basic needs, these workers strive with all their might just to bring a smile to the faces of their family members.

In today’s market, where the cost of living has soared, surviving on such a small monthly salary has become nearly impossible. The lion’s share of their earnings is consumed by house rent, electricity bills, and the purchase of daily essentials. Should a sudden illness strike, they have no savings left to cover the costs of proper medical care. Trapped in a cycle of debt and interest payments, their financial lives remain in a state of constant turmoil and extreme fragility.

On a weary afternoon, amidst the persistent, rhythmic clatter of her sewing machine, a worker named Rahima hums to herself: "Oh, compassionate and kind one, no lamp has been lit in this humble, broken home of mine." The familiar melody of this rural folk song helps to lighten the deep-seated sorrow weighing on her heart. These songs serve as a poignant, poetic expression of the long, weary sighs and the misfortune that define their lives.
During a brief pause in her work, another laborer, Sumi, begins to sing a song of longing that she knows all too well: "My heart feels a strange restlessness; the earthen paths of my village call out to me every single day." The melody instantly transports her back to the tranquil, verdant village she left behind. As the needle and thread weave through the fabric, it is as if the workers’ own unfulfilled desires and vibrant, cherished dreams are being woven into the work as well.

During their lunch break, Morjina, Asma, and Laili sat together, sharing a simple meal. "The landlord has raised the rent by another five hundred taka, sister," Morjina remarked. Asma sighed and replied, "I haven’t even received my overtime pay yet—how am I supposed to get by?" Laili added, "Between covering the costs of my children’s education, I’ve been left completely destitute."

Their conversation then shifts to the intense mental and physical strain—the grueling, oppressive ordeal—that they endure while working in the factory. Marjina remarked, "The supervisor hurled some truly vile abuses today because the production target wasn't met." Asma offered some consolation, saying, "Such is our wretched fate; we have no choice but to endure it in silence." Laili added, "I’m feeling terribly unwell, yet I still have to show up for work tomorrow—they won't grant any leave. The factory rules are incredibly harsh."

Towards the end of their conversation, they spoke of bright, fresh, and vibrant hopes for their children’s futures. "I’ve ruined my own life," Marjina said, "but I want my daughter to grow up to be someone truly significant." Asma agreed, "Yes, sister—may they never have to endure the hardships we face." Wiping away her tears, Laili said, "I place my trust in Allah; better days will surely come. Our dreams will be fulfilled."

Their daily routine begins at 4:30 AM, with the arduous task of waiting in long queues for the kitchen and the bathroom. By 7:30 AM, they must report to the factory’s main gate, clocking in via a fingerprint scan. At 8:00 AM, the relentless sewing work begins, driven by the intense pressure to meet production targets. They are granted only a brief, one-hour break between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM.

Female workers in factories face daily struggles, including poor health, malnutrition, and psychological abuse. The lack of maternity leave and workplace safety makes their lives even more precarious. Deprived of fair wages and social recognition, they remain trapped in a cycle of invisible servitude.

Women make up more than 70 percent of the workforce in Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) sector—a sector that contributes significantly to the nation’s GDP and plays an undeniable role in the national economy. Yet, by international standards, the average wages of these women remain remarkably low. Despite working long, grueling hours, they face extremely limited, unequal, and highly discriminatory opportunities for career advancement compared to their male counterparts.

Landlords should, out of humanitarian consideration, keep house rents for garment workers affordable, reasonable, and within a fixed, manageable limit. It is essential to ensure basic amenities for them, such as access to safe drinking water, an uninterrupted power supply, and clean sanitary facilities. Landlords must abandon the practice of arbitrarily raising rents or evicting tenants at inappropriate times. Respecting the hard-earned income of these workers by improving their living conditions is a primary moral and social responsibility of landlords.

Parents should view their daughters not as a burden, but as individuals deserving of constant emotional and moral support. It is important to respect the earnings of daughters who work in the garment sector and to refrain from pressuring them into marriage. Parents should stay in regular contact with their daughters living in distant cities and offer them ongoing support.

Children should recognize the value of their mother’s grueling labor and earnings by focusing diligently on their own education. They should assist with household chores and remain mindful of the hardships their mothers endure. To help fulfill their mothers' dreams, children should commit to growing into honest and exemplary individuals.

From dawn until late at night, the needle keeps turning,
Yet the silent words within their hearts go unheeded.
As machines run and life moves forward, deep sighs escape,
Amidst the darkness, they search for a vast expanse of light.
Show respect by ensuring fair compensation for their labor;
For in the smiles of our working sisters, the nation’s true well-being lies.

In conclusion, while female garment workers serve as a cornerstone of our economy, their lives remain largely neglected. While the nation advances thanks to the foreign currency earned through their labor, they themselves remain left behind. Ensuring their human rights, a better standard of living, and social dignity is our national duty.


Dr. Md. Anwar Hossain is an 
essayist. He can be reached at 
[email protected]