On 23rd April, Labor and Employment Adviser Brig Gen (retired) M Shakhawat Hossain announced that he will request the Ministry of Home Affairs to issue red alerts against the fugitive owners of six garment factories for failing to pay workers’ dues. The factories in question are TNZ, Mahmud Denim, Style Craft, DIRD Group, Generation Next, and Roar Fashion. Despite pledging to clear outstanding payments, these factories defaulted, causing worker unrest leading up to Eid.
The adviser noted that many of the owners are currently absconding, with conflicting reports about their whereabouts—some allegedly abroad, others claiming medical emergencies, and some untraceable altogether. He emphasized that neither the government nor Bangladesh Bank would provide additional funds to cover these dues.
Meetings are scheduled with the factory representatives and their banks on 24 and 28 April to discuss possible solutions, including asset liquidation to raise funds for worker payments. If necessary, arrangements will be made to obtain power of attorney for overseas owners to enable the sale of their assets. The factories had previously committed to settling dues by 7 or 8 May.
Mr. Shakhawat also highlighted concerns about excessive loans issued by some banks to these defaulting factories. Bangladesh Bank has been asked to investigate lending irregularities, and some bank officials have already been identified for questionable practices. The government plans to take action against defaulters and set deadlines for completing these investigations.
Overall, the adviser reaffirmed the government’s stance that factory owners must take full responsibility for paying their workers and warned of strict consequences, including legal and financial actions, if commitments are not fulfilled.
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