H&M defends partner factories following Bangladesh unrest

H&M Group has issued a statement about the unrest in Bangladesh after being criticized for working with garment factories in the country. Last month, thousands of garment factory workers staged an eight-day strike, calling for fair wages and safe working conditions. They claimed factories failed to implement a raise in the minimum wage announced by the state in September. The police used rubber bullets, water cannons and tear gas to disperse the protesters, killing one and injuring dozens. The strike ended after a settlement was signed by a panel comprised of workers, government officials, factory owners and union leaders. However, about 7,000 workers have been fired for taking part in the strike ever since, according to several reports by international media.