Since the declaration of a State of Emergency in Bangladesh in January 2007, emergency laws have been used to suppress opposition to the government and the freedom of speech, association, assembly and expression of a wide variety of groups.

In recent months, the use of these laws to repress protests by garment workers over the poor and hazardous conditions, low wages, and long hours endemic in the garment, textile and sportswear industries has intensified.

The Clean Clothes Campaign has prepared this briefing on the current state of emergency in Bangladesh and has asked brands sourcing in Bangladesh to guarantee workers' internationally recognised rights of freedom of association and expression.

Briefing on current state of emergency in Bangladesh and its impact on labour rights. - Clean Clothes Campaign, April 2008