Over 1,660 factories yet to pay eid bonuses, 801 still owe February wages: Industrial Police
Despite the significant number of factories owing wages and bonuses, there have been no major reports of labour unrest.
Out of 10,100 factories under the jurisdiction of the Industrial Police, 1,660, or more than 12%, had not paid Eid bonuses as of this afternoon (18 March).
In addition, more than 801 factories had not disbursed salaries for February, the Industrial Police confirmed to The Business Standard.
The list includes all types of factories, not just ready-made garment units.
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Despite the significant number of factories owing wages and bonuses, there have been no major reports of labour unrest.
A senior Industrial Police officer, speaking to TBS on condition of anonymity, said that today some unrest occurred at a factory in Ashulia over unpaid wages and bonuses, but the issue was quickly resolved.
No other reports of unrest have been received, he added.
Meanwhile, president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Mahmud Hasan Khan, said that nearly all garment factories have cleared February salaries ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr.
Speaking at a press briefing held at the BGMEA building this afternoon, he said 99.91% of factories have already paid wages, while the process is underway in the remaining two factories.
Regarding Eid bonuses, he noted that 99.81% of factories have paid Eid bonuses. The process is currently underway in the remaining four factories.
Two weeks ago, the government instructed that Eid bonuses should be paid by 12 March.
According to the labour law, wages for the previous month must be paid within seven working days of the following month.
