122 Factories Yet to Pay February Wages; Eid Bonuses Unpaid in 723

Economy Desk

With Eid set for March 31 and holidays already underway, millions of garment workers face uncertainty due to unpaid wages and bonuses. Instead of celebrating, these workers are burdened with bleak prospects of how to spend Eid with loved ones or whether factories will reopen after the holiday.

According to the Industrial Police, 122 factories in the ready-made garment (RMG) and textile sectors have yet to pay February wages, while workers at 723 factories have not received their Eid bonuses.

Of the 2,890 factories under BGMEA, BKMEA, BTMA, and BEPZA, 2,768 have paid February salaries. However, wages for January and earlier months remain unpaid in 30 factories, many of which have closed due to lack of orders.

Additionally, factories owned by individuals affiliated with the ruling Awami League have been entirely destroyed due to violent attacks, vandalism, and arson. For instance, about 50,000 workers from Beximco Group have been unemployed since August last year.

Reports indicate that 422 factories have made advance payments for half of March wages.

Despite labor laws mandating salary payments within the first seven working days of the following month, many factories fail to comply.

Industrial Police data shows that 2,167 factories have paid Eid bonuses, leaving 723 factories—approximately 25%—yet to do so.

Nationwide, of 9,695 industrial units, 6,673 have distributed Eid bonuses. However, March wages remain unpaid in 7,860 factories across the country.