Bangladesh’s tannery industry faces severe uncertainty following the government’s decision to bring it under the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) and the continued failure to implement the revised minimum wage announced a year ago. At a press conference organized by the Tannery Workers Union in Dhaka, labor leaders expressed frustration over the delay, accusing factory owners of exploiting workers by labeling them as ‘temporary’ to deny fair pay. They warned of possible large-scale protests if the wage decision is not enforced soon. Speakers, including Labor Reform Commission Chairman Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmed, said the move to place the industry under BEPZA without consulting unions threatens workers’ rights and union freedom. They also criticized the growing trend of replacing skilled workers with contract laborers and the lack of legal compensation for those laid off. The leaders cautioned that prolonged instability could weaken trust between workers and owners and harm the national economy.