Wage protests force hundreds of Bangladesh garment factories to close

Hundreds of garment factories in Bangladesh have been forced to closed after days-long protests by workers demanding higher wages.

On Sunday, protests in the capital Dhaka turned violent with protesters blocking roads, vandalising factories and setting vehicles on fire. They also clashed with police, who fired tear gas to disperse them. Police later said that dozens of protesters had been arrested.

Workers are demanding a minimum monthly wage of 30,000 taka ($242; £180), more than double the current standard, citing rising costs of living.

Bangladesh's textile industry employs around four million workers and manufactures garments for major global brands including H&M, Primark and Uniqlo.