All RMG factories disbursed March salaries and Eid bonuses: BGMEA president 

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has said all garment factories in the country have successfully paid salaries and bonuses before the Eid holidays. 

"The factories have paid March salaries and Eid bonuses. To our knowledge, every worker has received their dues without exception," BGMEA president SM Mannan Kochi said at a press briefing held at the BGMEA office in the capital today (10 April).

"This Eid, we had to pay bonuses as per the updated wage framework, which was a challenging task for many factories. Despite the odds, owners tried their best to clear the salaries and bonuses before Eid. Many even made personal sacrifices," he said, extending appreciation to the entrepreneurs for their dedication.

The BGMEA chief also thanked Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her guidance, along with the home minister, law minister, and law and order forces for their cooperation.  

In terms of ensuring timely payments, the BGMEA chief outlined the proactive measures taken in collaboration with the government.

These included monitoring sensitive factories well in advance of Eid to facilitate 100% salary disbursement. With the assistance of 22 monitoring teams comprising 50 individuals.

"We received a list of approximately 600 sensitive factories from various sources, including intelligence agencies, industrial police, and BGMEA's own sources. A month before Eid, we started monitoring these factories. 

"While monitoring, some labour-related issues were identified in 25 factories, all of which have since been addressed. As a result, 100% of the factories were able to pay March salary and Eid bonus," he added, noting that he is grateful to labour leaders for their cooperation throughout the process.

He further highlighted that all the factories have granted Eid leave to workers so they can return home with their earnings.

SM Mannan Kochi urged the government to enhance vigilance to prevent accidents during Eid.

Branches of banks in garment industry-related areas remain operational on public holidays, as requested by BGMEA, to facilitate timely payment of salaries and bonuses to RMG workers before the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr.

The BGMEA president expressed gratitude to the governor of Bangladesh Bank and all scheduled banks for their cooperation in this regard.

"We extend our thanks to the central fund for providing full support," he added.

Reflecting on the industry's challenges, SM Mannan Kochi asserted that the country's apparel industry is going through a critical time.

He said, "Over the last five years, our production costs have surged by nearly 50%, while bank interest rates have soared to 13%-14%. Additionally, wages have spiked by 56% since January.

"Despite these challenges, we're facing difficulty in receiving fair prices for our products. Instead, prices have dropped by 6%-18%. In this situation, many factories are compelled to accept orders at discounted rates merely to sustain operations."

He added, "This Eid, we have to give bonuses according to our new wage structure, which has created a difficult situation for many factories. Despite numerous adversities, entrepreneurs have made all-out efforts to pay salaries and bonuses before Eid, with many making personal sacrifices."

Mentioning that BGMEA collaborated with the government to ensure workers receive their wages and bonuses before Eid, Kochi said, "We have received a list of around 600 factories from intelligence agencies, industrial police, BGMEA, and other sources. Accordingly, we started monitoring these factories a month before Eid to ensure 100% payment of wages and allowances.

In response to another question, whether they are members of BGMEA in Tuesday's protest, Kochi said, "Workers of Goldstar Garments in Dhaka protested on Tuesday. At 3:30am, in the presence of the local parliament member and chairman, the salary and bonus were paid to the remaining workers.

"Yesterday, we gave salaries and bonuses to 99% factories. Today we have not received any complaints."

"We have given salaries and bonuses to 2,230 factories including Dhaka and Chattogram. We have 3,200 factories. So, there are hundreds of thousands of members beyond BKMEA and our members. If there is a labour strike outside of our membership, it brings the country into disrepute," he added.

Replying to the question, out of 3,200 factories, why salaries and bonuses were given to 2,230 factories, He said, "Some of our garment factories do not have utilisation declaration (UD). It means business is running and the rest are sub-contracted, and some are closed."