Concerns linger over garment workers’ wages ahead of Eid

As Eid-ul-Fitr approaches, concerns persist over whether all garment workers in the country will receive their salaries and bonuses on time.
The ready-made garment sector, a cornerstone of the national economy, employs around four million workers who rely heavily on timely payments ahead of the holiday.
Labour leaders and worker representatives say that while many factories have begun disbursing wages and bonuses, uncertainty remains in several, particularly smaller subcontracting units.
Around 20% of factories have yet to pay February salaries or Eid bonuses, they say, and workers are also demanding half a month’s salary for March.
Labour rights groups have called for stronger government oversight to ensure compliance across the sector. They note that while larger factories typically adhere to payment schedules, smaller units often face cash-flow difficulties that can delay payments.
Meanwhile, factory owners report that 94% of February salaries have been paid and 81% of factories have distributed Eid bonuses. 
Leaders of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) have assured that preparations are underway to clear all remaining dues before the holiday. Factory owners have been urged to settle payments promptly to avoid unrest and ensure workers can celebrate Eid.

Workers’ perspective
Speaking to Daily Sun, National Garment Workers Federation (NGWF) President Amirul Haque Amin said this year’s situation is relatively stable, thanks to government cash incentives and special funds for wages and bonuses, though minor delays persist in some factories.
“More than 80% of factories have already paid February salaries and Eid bonuses. Workers are now asking for 50% of March salaries, which BGMEA members should consider,” he said.
He also urged government intervention for more than 100,000 workers left unemployed after 79 closed garment factories, most reportedly owned by Awami League-aligned entrepreneurs.

Factory owners and industry figures
Md Shehab Udduza Chowdhury, vice president of BGMEA, told Daily Sun that 81.8% of 2,127 factories in Dhaka and Chattogram had disbursed Eid bonuses by 13 March. 
He added that 99.7% of factories had paid January salaries, while 94% had cleared February wages.
“Banks have released the necessary funds, and we expect all salaries and bonuses to be paid before Eid. Only around 1% of factories may face difficulties,” he said.
Bangladesh Bank recently provided Tk2,500 crore in cash incentives across 43 sectors, including textiles, frozen seafood, and leather, to support exporters ahead of Eid. 
It also announced a ‘special loan facility’ to allow export-oriented factories to pay one month’s wages. 
However, some banks have delayed loan disbursements, affecting smaller enterprises’ ability to pay salaries.
Industrial Police have flagged more than 100 factories at risk of failing to pay wages and bonuses. 
Superintendent Mohammad Amzad Hossain said 50–55 factories in Gazipur could experience instability, particularly over leave and half-month salary demands.
“Banks remain open in the coming days, so we expect outstanding payments to be settled. We are in communication with BGMEA leaders to address any issues. Some workers briefly staged protests but returned after discussion,” he said.
Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury, MP, directed that all outstanding wages and bonuses be cleared before Eid.
“All concerned must ensure there are no complications regarding workers’ dues under any circumstances,” he said.
A list of at-risk factories will be shared with MPs, who will engage directly with factory management to ensure prompt payment. 

The reporter can be reached at: [email protected]