Aminul Islam (trade unionist) facts for kids

Aminul Islam (born 1973, died 2012) was a brave leader from Bangladesh. He worked to help garment factory workers. He was sadly murdered in 2012. His case became known around the world.

About Aminul Islam

Aminul Islam was a family man. He was married and had three children. He had two sons and one daughter.

Helping Garment Workers

Aminul Islam used to work in a garment factory himself. He became a leader for workers' rights. He was president of groups like the Bangladesh Garment and Industrial Workers Federation in areas like Ashulia and Savar.

He also led the Bangladesh Center for Workers' Solidarity. This group worked to make sure factory workers had better conditions. They also fought for higher pay.

In 2010, Aminul Islam helped lead protests. These protests asked for a bigger increase in the lowest pay for garment workers. He and other leaders were arrested during these protests.

Before he died, Aminul Islam was helping workers in factories. These factories made clothes for big American companies. Some of these companies included Tommy Hilfiger, Nike, and Ralph Lauren. He also helped news reporters talk to people who survived a factory fire.

His Unsolved Murder

Aminul Islam was last seen alive in Ashulia. This area is a big center for garment factories. His body was found on April 5, 2012. It was found next to a road near Ghatail, about 61 miles north of Dhaka.

A newspaper in Bangladesh, Amar Desh, showed a photo of an unknown man. Aminul Islam's family recognized him from this photo.

His body showed signs of harm. Many people believe he was murdered because he was trying to get justice for garment workers.

No one has been arrested for Aminul Islam's murder. But his case got attention from groups like the AFL-CIO and the US State Department.