Why is there so much negligence regarding garment workers' wages?

Tomorrow is Eid, and city dwellers are heading home in groups to celebrate the joy of Eid with their loved ones. Even advertisements reflect people's excitement. However, amidst this joy, countless garment workers are still deprived. According to a news report published yesterday (April 9), 60% of garment factory workers did not receive their wages. Industrial police stated that among the 2,534 garment and textile factories in Savar-Ashulia, Gazipur, Chittagong, Narayanganj, Mymensingh, Khulna, Comilla, and Sylhet, only 1,009 factories paid wages until yesterday. Festival bonuses were paid by 2,183 factories. Such news is deeply saddening for the country.

This news naturally upsets everyone. 60% of garment workers represent over 2 million people, many of whom have their families depending on them. These families are eagerly waiting for their loved ones to return home with earnings, to buy new clothes for Eid. Many families may be waiting to do their Eid shopping once they receive their wages. In this situation, after working the entire month, these soaked workers are still sitting outside the factory gates, wondering when their employers will pay them their salaries and bonuses.

The reason why Bangladesh earns the most foreign revenue from its garment industry workers, but their wages are often delayed, is a complex issue. Almost every year, we hear news about factory owners failing to pay their workers on time, leading to protests from the workers. In this context, the question arises about the significance of organizations like BGMEA, BKMEA, and BTMEA. Although the top leaders of BGMEA claim that there are no major issues regarding wages and festival bonuses, the reality is different. It's often seen that wages and bonuses are not paid on time. However, assurances have been made that all factories will pay wages and bonuses by Tuesday.

Until Tuesday evening, it has been found that many workers in several factories have not received their wages. There are also reports of suffering among jute mill workers, although their numbers are fewer. According to reports, out of the 92 jute mills under the supervision of industrial police, wages have been paid in 82 mills until yesterday.

Indeed, the question arises as to why such a situation persists for workers even after working throughout the year. This is highly inhumane. According to Islamic law, it is obligatory to pay the wages of workers before their sweat dries, but in reality, workers often have to endure more to receive their wages. Wages and bonuses are not just a matter of compassion for workers; it is their rightful due. So why is there so much delay and negligence in this regard?

Babul Akhtar, the General Secretary of Bangladesh Garments and Industrial Workers Federation, has informed the media that there is no clear provision in the labor laws or regulations regarding the timely payment of wages and bonuses before Eid. This legal ambiguity, coupled with the negligence of some employers, often leaves workers in a state of uncertainty.

We hope that through stringent enforcement of laws and regulations, such negligence and disregard for workers' rights will come to an end soon. Before Eid, no worker should have to endure such uncertainty, worrying about their families and loved ones. Let us all strive to eliminate these injustices from our society, considering the humane aspect of the situation.