Practical lessons from international approaches, adapted carefully to Bangladesh.
Make the cost of living visible.
The Living Wage Foundation uses independent calculations informed by what households need, with distinct UK and London rates. Its voluntary employer model makes the difference between a legal wage floor and a needs-based rate easy to discuss.
For Bangladesh
Publish local methods, update dates and regional differences. Seek independent review and worker input. Do not import UK rates, branding or accreditation.
Put buyer purchasing decisions on the table.
ACT links the goal of living wages with brand commitments on itemised labour costs, fair payment terms, planning, buyer training and responsible exits.
For Bangladesh
In a pilot, record both supplier wage actions and buyer pricing or planning commitments. A training session or pledge alone is not evidence of a wage gain.
Measure comparable wage gaps.
IDH’s Roadmap starts with a credible local estimate and uses wage data to identify gaps, then moves through implementation and reporting. Its Salary Matrix provides a more detailed tool for workplace analysis.
For Bangladesh
Compare pay for normal hours on the same date, place and net or gross basis. Examine regular benefits and deductions carefully and keep overtime separate.
Make assumptions inspectable.
Anker studies estimate a decent but basic cost of living for a reference family in a defined location and account for full-time equivalent earners and deductions. WageIndicator uses collected cost-of-living prices and publishes regularly updated methods.
For Bangladesh
Show exactly which area, family, prices, period and method a figure covers. Present methods side by side without blending their results into a fictional national average.
Connect needs with wage-setting institutions.
The ILO’s 2025 methodology supports evidence on household needs, while its living-wage work places estimates within social dialogue and established wage-setting processes.
For Bangladesh
Use worker-informed evidence in collective bargaining and relevant wage policy discussions. An Academy estimate does not replace a union, the Minimum Wage Board or a legal wage determination.