Bangladesh’s garment workers continued protests over low pay and the rising cost of living on Monday, with demonstrations reported in Dhaka’s Mirpur industrial area and the Savar, Ashulia and Gazipur manufacturing hubs. About 500 factories were temporarily shuttered after protests began on Saturday, although earlier reporting said factories had reopened Monday. Workers are seeking a monthly minimum wage of 30,000 taka ($242), up from 12,500 taka ($101). The government formed a six-member wage board on Sunday, and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman held an emergency meeting with ministers and advisers. Police used tear gas and sound grenades as thousands of workers took to the streets. Bangladesh’s garment industry is worth about $38 billion, employs about 4 million people, contributes around 10% of gross domestic product and generates more than 80% of export earnings. Industry leaders warned of higher costs, energy-market uncertainty linked to the United States-Israel war on Iran and weaker demand in some export markets. BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan urged workers to let the wage review proceed and warned factories could invoke a no-work, no-pay provision if protests continued. Workers’ representative Babul Akhter said Bangladesh’s garment wages remained among the world’s lowest and called on factory owners to negotiate better prices with international buyers. The unrest threatens production, export shipments and buyer confidence in an industry competing with Vietnam, Cambodia and India.