Travel ban imposed on 12 RMG factory owners over unpaid wages

The government has imposed a travel ban on the owners of 12 readymade garment (RMG) factories for failing to pay workers' salaries and bonuses by the deadline set by authorities.

Labour and Employment Adviser Brig Gen (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain announced the move at a press conference at the Secretariat in the capital today (25 March). 

He added that the Ministry of Home Affairs had shared the names of the factory owners with immigration authorities, and the travel ban is now in effect. The owners will not be allowed to leave the country until they settle the outstanding wages and bonuses.

The adviser explained that factory owners had been given until 27 March to pay their workers, but the 12 factories have failed to meet this deadline. Five of these factories are facing worker protests over the unpaid dues.

Under labour law, factory owners who miss the payment deadline will be prohibited from leaving the country. However, the adviser did not disclose the identities of the factory owners impacted by the ban.

He further criticised the factory owners, stating, "When the factories were operational, they amassed wealth, built houses abroad, and drove luxury cars. But now, as Eid approaches, they declare bankruptcy and claim they cannot pay workers. If you can't pay, sell your house or car. You cannot live in luxury and then claim you have no money."

Sakhawat warned that legal action will be taken against factory owners who continue to neglect workers' unpaid wages. Additionally, any factory owner who leaves the country without clearing the dues by the deadline will see their factory shut down.

On the ongoing protests, the adviser expressed concern about the possibility that factory owners may have instructed workers to block roads in protest over unpaid wages.

Labour Secretary AHM Shafiquzzaman also reported that 99% of garment factories have paid workers' wages and benefits on time. The government has provided a Tk2,235 crore incentive to the sector through Bangladesh Bank.

During the press conference, the adviser Sakhawat Hossain also shared that the latest session of the ILO Governing Body in Geneva had included open discussions on workers' rights. 

He mentioned that the deadline for allowing trade unions in all factories and amending labour laws to address workers' demands has been extended until March, instead of December. The remaining tasks must be completed within this extended period.

China signs Mongla port expansion agreement

At the press conference, Labour Adviser M Sakhawat Hossain revealed that an agreement had been signed with China for the expansion of Mongla Port, with the goal of turning it into a regional hub. China has been asked to build a cold chamber at the port to store frozen goods. 

He also stated that China had expressed interest in importing mangoes and other mango-based products from Bangladesh in the upcoming season.