In order to allow workers in the ready-made garment (RMG) industry to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr with their families, the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has stated that wages and allowances have been paid in full. Notwithstanding the current flaws in the payment procedure, this announcement is made.
BGMEA Administrator Mohammad Anwar Hossain expressed his appreciation to garment sector entrepreneurs for their commitment to timely wage and bonus payments, highlighting the challenges they faced in doing so. “With their collective cooperation, garment workers will be able to enjoy Eid-ul-Fitr in a festive atmosphere with their families,” he stated in a press release dated 27th March.
The BGMEA noted that, following its request, the Government took proactive steps by instructing banks to release incentive funds. This initiative allowed entrepreneurs to pay February wages, partial or full March wages, and festival bonuses without significant delays. The fund release prioritised small and medium-sized factories before larger ones, which helped prevent major disruptions in wage payments across the sector.
To address potential payment issues, BGMEA closely monitored 445 factories where wage-related problems were anticipated. Their direct intervention successfully secured wages and allowances for workers in nearly 100 factories facing challenges.
As of 27th March, BGMEA reported that out of 2,107 operational factories, 1,769 in the Dhaka region and 338 in the Chittagong region, 99.53 per cent had paid February wages, 83.20 per cent had disbursed partial or full wages for March, and 94.78 per cent had provided the Eid bonus. Only 0.47 per cent of factories were still processing February wage payments, with completion expected by 29th March.
To alleviate traffic congestion on highways during the Eid holidays, BGMEA has instructed factories to grant holidays to workers in phases, starting from 26th March. It is anticipated that all workers will be on their way for Eid celebrations by 29th March.
