Around 32.34% of industrial factories across Bangladesh failed to pay workers’ wages for February within the government-set deadline, raising concerns ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr.
Data from the Industrial Police Bangladesh (IP) show that 3,266 out of 10,100 factories under its jurisdiction had not paid February wages as of Sunday, despite government instructions to settle payments within the first seven working days of March.
The situation is more concerning regarding festival allowances. According to the IP, 63.45 percent or 6,408 factories had yet to pay festival allowances by the March 12 deadline set by the government.
Earlier, Labor and Employment Minister Ariful Hoque Chowdhury directed factory owners on March 3 to clear February wages by March 9 and pay festival allowances by March 12. Owners were also asked to provide half of the March salary in advance after consultations with workers and to discuss Eid holiday schedules with employees.
Industrial Police data show that 6,834 factories (67.66%) paid February wages, while only 3,692 units disbursed festival allowances within the stipulated timeframe.
Regarding wage payments, 393 BGMEA factories, 325 BKMEA units, 158 BTMA mills, 10 BEPZA factories, and four jute mills had not paid February wages, along with 2,376 other non-RMG units.
To ensure timely payments ahead of Eid, the government on March 8 appointed an Additional Inspector General from the Industrial Police as a focal point to monitor wage and allowance disbursement for garment workers.
Law-enforcement agencies have also identified 266 factories, including 180 textile and garment units, as potentially vulnerable to labor unrest if wages and festival allowances are not paid before the Eid holidays.
