Minimum Wage in Bangladesh: Rates, Trends & Compliance

What Is the Minimum Wage in Bangladesh?

As of 2026, the national minimum wage in Bangladesh is set at BDT 12,500 per month for workers in the ready-made garment (RMG) sector, the country's largest employer. This wage is approximately USD 133 per month based on the current exchange rate. Additionally, workers in these sectors may receive other benefits such as transportation and food allowances. While the wage is enough for basic living expenses in rural areas, it falls short of covering the cost of living in urban areas, particularly Dhaka.

Minimum Wage in Bangladesh Based on Sector

In Bangladesh, minimum wages are set by the Minimum Wage Board, which has been in place since 1959. Rather than having one national rate, the country uses sector-specific minimum wages that can vary based on the type of work, skill level, and job grade.

As of 2026, the most clearly established and up-to-date minimum wage applies to the ready-made garments (RMG) sector, while wage figures for other industries are based on earlier wage board decisions and may not have been formally updated in recent years.

Typical monthly minimum wage references include:

• Ready-made garments: BDT 12,500 per month for entry-level roles, with higher grades earning more
• Leather goods and footwear: figures often cited between BDT 7,100 and BDT 13,520 per month, based on older wage board rates
• Tanneries: commonly referenced at around BDT 17,000+ per month, with higher amounts for skilled or senior roles
• Road transport: estimates typically range from BDT 10,100 to BDT 18,920 per month depending on role
• Rerolling mills: commonly cited ranges fall between BDT 10,650 and BDT 20,400 per month

While these figures are frequently used in payroll guides and industry references, not all sectors have had recent official wage board revisions. As a result, some amounts should be treated as indicative rather than newly confirmed 2026 statutory rates.

Average vs Reasonable vs Typical Minimum Wages

When discussing wages in Bangladesh, it’s important to distinguish between what is legally required, what is commonly paid, and what workers actually need to live on. Terms like average, reasonable, and typical minimum wage are often used interchangeably, but they describe very different realities. The breakdown below helps clarify these differences and highlights the ongoing gap between statutory minimum wages and the cost of meeting basic living needs – especially in urban areas.

‍Average Minimum Wage: The average minimum wage is calculated across various sectors. In the garment industry, for example, it is around BDT 12,500 per month. However, workers in other industries like agriculture or leather production earn less.

Reasonable Minimum Wage: A reasonable minimum wage in Bangladesh should allow workers to meet their basic needs, including housing, food, and healthcare. In urban areas like Dhaka, the estimated living wage for a family of four is BDT 27,900 per month. This suggests that the current minimum wage falls short of providing a reasonable standard of living, particularly in urban centers.

Typical Minimum Wage: The typical minimum wage varies by industry and region. In the garment sector, the minimum wage is BDT 12,500 per month. In the leather goods and footwear sector, the minimum wage is BDT 7,100 per month. In rural areas, particularly in agriculture, wages are often lower, and workers may not receive a fixed monthly wage but are paid daily, which can be inconsistent and insufficient to cover basic needs .

How Does Minimum Wage Apply to Different Workers in Bangladesh?

The minimum wage in Bangladesh applies differently to various categories of workers, including full-time employees, part-time workers, interns, trainees, and expatriates. Below, we explain how each category is affected by the minimum wage law.

Full-Time Employee Wages

Full-time employees in Bangladesh, particularly in industries like garments, are entitled to the statutory minimum wage of BDT 12,500 per month. Some employers may offer additional allowances such as transportation or food benefits. Full-time workers in other sectors, such as agriculture, typically earn lower wages.

Part-Time Employee Wages

Part-time employees are generally paid proportionately based on the number of hours they work. For example, if a full-time employee's monthly wage is BDT 8,000, a part-time worker in the same role will earn a percentage of that wage based on the hours worked. These workers receive the same benefits as full-time employees but in smaller amounts corresponding to their reduced work hours.

Interns and Trainees

Interns and trainees in Bangladesh are often not paid the statutory minimum wage, especially if they are undergoing internships as part of their academic programs. Some companies may provide stipends to cover basic expenses, but unpaid internships are common, particularly in sectors like education, media, and non-profits.

Expats

Expatriates working in Bangladesh generally earn higher salaries compared to local employees due to their specialized skills. Although expatriates are not always directly impacted by the minimum wage law, they may still be subject to regulations in certain industries, such as textiles and manufacturing, if they perform similar roles to local workers.