30% factories miss Eid bonus deadline, 10% yet to pay wages 

Nearly one-third of factories failed to pay Eid bonuses even five days after the government-set deadline, highlighting ongoing compliance gaps ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr.

Despite instructions to clear bonuses by 12 March and February wages by 9 March, more than 3,000 out of 10,100 factories – around 30% – had not paid Eid bonuses as of 4pm, according to Industrial Police data. 

Another 1,026 factories, or about 10%, had yet to pay February wages.

The factories include more than 3,000 ready-made garment (RMG) units, alongside textile, chemical and other industries. However, Industrial Police did not disclose sector-wise data on non-compliance.

A senior Industrial Police official, requesting anonymity, told The Business Standard that detailed disclosure on garment factories was withheld this year to avoid confusion arising from discrepancies between different data sources.

Industry leaders, however, painted a more optimistic picture. Md Rezwan Selim, vice-president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), said only 32 of its 1,785 operational factories had not paid bonuses, while 18 were yet to clear February wages.

Labour leaders said there have been no reports of major unrest so far.

Babul Akter, former general secretary of IndustriAll Bangladesh Council, told TBS that workers appear largely satisfied, raising hopes of a smooth Eid journey.

He noted that the government has sanctioned Tk2,500 crore in loans and released pending cash incentives to facilitate timely payments. "Even after that, if any factory delays wages and bonuses, it should face accountability," he added.