Pay workers' salaries, bonuses before Eid: Labour Minister

All industrial factories in the country must pay workers' outstanding salaries and Eid bonuses before the Eid holidays, Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury has said. In no way can complications be created regarding workers' rightful dues.

He made these remarks at a high-level meeting organised at his government residence in Dhaka on Saturday, March 14.

The minister further said a list of risky factories will be prepared and sent to concerned members of parliament. MPs will directly speak with factory authorities to ensure speedy payment of outstanding salaries and bonuses.

The minister informed that local MPs and administration must also keep an eye on those labour leaders attempting to create unrest in factories. Lists of absconding owners must be prepared, and vigilance maintained to prevent any untoward incidents in factories.

Prime Minister's Adviser Mahdi Amin said the government will reopen closed factories on a priority basis within 180 days. Additionally, the Prime Minister has given strict instructions to continue monitoring to resolve workers' problems.

BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan said among 2,127 factories in Dhaka, 1,964 have paid February salaries and 1,535 have paid Eid bonuses.

BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem informed that among 834 factories, 512 have paid February salaries and 604 have paid Eid bonuses.

Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Employment Abdur Rahman Tarafdar said creating an emergency fund could permanently solve salary and bonus problems.