Minister directs factory owners to clear wages, bonuses before Eid holidays

Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury has said that the outstanding wages and bonuses of workers in all industrial units across the country must be paid before the Eid holidays.

All concerned must remain cautious so that no complications arise regarding the dues payable to workers under any circumstances, he added.

The minister made the remarks at a high-level meeting held at his official residence on Bailey Road in the capital yesterday (March 13) to determine measures to resolve labour unrest in the RMG and non-RMG sectors.

He said a list of risky factories will be prepared based on the respective parliamentary constituencies and provided to the concerned members of parliament (MPs).

The MPs will directly speak with the factory authorities and take necessary steps to ensure the quick payment of outstanding wages and bonuses, he added.

Ariful also directed the authorities concerned to contact banks, including UCBL, Trust Bank and Premier Bank, which are delaying loan disbursements despite directives from Bangladesh Bank, to ensure prompt loan arrangements.

He said local MPs and the administration must remain vigilant regarding labour leaders who are unnecessarily provoking workers and trying to create disorder in the industrial sector.

At the same time, he instructed that a list of absconding factory owners and their establishments be prepared, saying all must remain alert so that no untoward incident occurs at those factories.

The minister also assured that all officials and employees of the ministry are always ready to provide any assistance.

He expressed a firm commitment to always stand by the workers to protect their interests.

Speaking at the meeting, Adviser to the Prime Minister Mahdi Amin said the government will reopen closed factories on a priority basis within 180 days of forming the government.

He added that the prime minister has given strict instructions to resolve workers' problems through close monitoring.

BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan said 2,127 factories are currently operational in Dhaka and Chattogram, of which 1,964 factories (92.34%) have paid February wages while 1,535 factories (72.17%) have paid Eid bonuses.

He said payment of March wages is not mandatory, but those who have the capacity will pay the wages.

The BGMEA president also said many people are instigating workers over the issue of paying March wages.

At the meeting, BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem said that among the country's 834 factories, 512 have paid February wages and 604 have paid Eid bonuses.

He said since most factories have already paid wages and bonuses, it is expected that no labour unrest will arise.

Labour and Employment Secretary Abdur Rahman Tarafder said that if an emergency fund can be created, the issue of workers' wages and bonuses could be resolved permanently with that fund.