Owners of garment factories gave assurances that there wouldn’t be any significant disturbances before Eid-ul-Fitr during a meeting with Home Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Khan on Monday.
However, over 200 enterprises are having trouble paying salaries and bonuses, according to a report compiled by the Industrial Police.
Before Eid, the Minister pleaded with garment makers to promptly pay their employees’ salaries and benefits. Additionally, he asked them to plan ahead so that the employees could easily return home for the holidays.
The garment owners sought some assistance from the Government, including transportation. They also stressed the need for the quick release of the pending cash incentive of around Tk4,000 crore for the sector.
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President SM Mannan Kochi and Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) President Salim Osman among other officials of both organisations attended the meeting.
After the meeting, SM Mannan Kochi told local media that they had discussed the issue of ensuring timely payment of salaries to the workers.
“We are gradually reducing the number of factories facing problems, as reported by various organisations. We hope that there will be no major unrest before Eid,” he said.
“Many factories are facing problems due to the financial crisis, but we are closely monitoring the situation. We hope that the workers will be able to celebrate Eid well,” he added.
