Govt directs factories to clear Eid bonus by 21 May

Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury on Thursday directed all factories across the country to pay Eid bonuses to workers by 21 May and ensure disbursement of monthly wages within the scheduled timeframe ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.

The directive was issued at the 95th meeting of the Tripartite Consultative Council (TCC) and the 24th meeting of the tripartite consultative council on the readymade garment (RMG) sector, held at the CIRDAP auditorium in the capital.

Speaking as the chief guest, the minister said the government is fully committed to ensuring a safe and smooth Eid journey for workers.

To ease traffic congestion during the Eid holidays, he said factories have been instructed to declare holidays in phases or on a staggered basis through mutual understanding between employers and workers.

Ariful said local administration, district police and industrial police have been given special directives to ensure timely payment of wages and bonuses as well as maintain overall law and order in industrial areas.

Worker representatives at the meeting said timely payment of wages and bonuses would help avert labour unrest and maintain industrial stability ahead of Eid.

They also urged the government to take prompt action against factories that still have outstanding wage arrears.

The representatives further requested the authorities to arrange special bus, train and launch services to facilitate hassle-free Eid travel for workers.

Labour and Employment Secretary Md Abdur Rahman Tarafder presided over the meeting.

Among others, Bangladesh Employers' Federation President Fazle Shamim Ehsan, Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal President Anwar Hossain, senior officials of the ministry and representatives of workers and employers attended the meeting.