99pc factories clear salaries, Eid bonuses before holiday: BGMEA

Wages and Eid bonuses for workers in the country's readymade garment industry have been almost fully cleared, according to the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).

BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan shared this information at a press conference held at the organisation's headquarters in Uttara, Dhaka, on Wednesday, March 18.

He said 99.91 per cent of BGMEA-listed factories have paid February salaries, and 99.81 per cent have paid Eid bonuses. The process of clearing dues for the remaining few factories is ongoing and is expected to be completed by Wednesday.

The press conference also revealed that despite no legal obligation, about 64.03 per cent of factory owners have, out of humanitarian consideration, paid partial March salaries to workers in advance.

It was also informed that staggered holidays based on industrial zones are being implemented to reduce passenger pressure on highways during Eid travel. As of March 17, holidays have been declared in approximately 50 per cent of factories, with the remaining factories set to go on holiday today and tomorrow.

Mahmud Hasan Khan said that despite multifaceted crises, BGMEA members have made utmost efforts to pay salaries, allowances and festival bonuses out of commitment to workers. As a result, workers have received their legal dues, and it has been possible to maintain peace and stability in industrial zones.

He further informed that the current government has introduced a special loan facility on easy terms to assist in paying February salaries to workers. About Tk 2,500 crore in cash assistance has already been disbursed, playing a vital role in alleviating entrepreneurs' liquidity crises and keeping production activities running.

BGMEA Senior Vice President Inamul Haque Khan, along with other vice presidents and directors of the organisation, were present at the press conference.