Staff Correspondent, Narayanganj

Ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha, there are growing concerns over the timely payment of wages and bonuses in 37 ready-made garment factories in Narayanganj. Of these, 29 factories are facing severe difficulties due to the suspension of transactions by Premier Bank. Authorities including BKMEA (Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association), Industrial Police, and other relevant departments are actively working to ensure that workers in these factories receive their due salaries and bonuses on time.

 A joint meeting was held at the BKMEA headquarters in Chashara, Narayanganj, on Sunday (May 23), aiming to prevent labor unrest and ensure timely disbursement of wages and bonuses in the garment sector. The meeting was attended by representatives from factory owners, district administration, Department of Labor, army officials, Industrial Police, and other stakeholders.

 Asaduzzaman, Additional DIG in charge of Narayanganj Industrial Police, stated that surveillance has been intensified ahead of Eid. Based on their intelligence, 37 factories have been identified as being at risk of not being able to pay wages and bonuses on time. He urged all parties to work in unity to ensure that these payments are made without triggering labor unrest.

 Factory owners alleged that certain identified labor leaders often incite workers over various issues to serve their own interests. They urged law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant so that such misconduct can be prevented.

 BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem said,  they are in continuous communication with the owners of the 37 vulnerable factories to ensure timely payment of worker wages and bonuses. He particularly highlighted that, due to a directive from Bangladesh Bank, all customer transactions at Premier Bank branches in Narayanganj have been suspended. Since 29 garment factories in the area are Premier Bank clients, their ability to pay workers during Eid has become a serious concern.

Hatem further mentioned that letters have been sent to the Financial and Labor Advisors, the Governor of Bangladesh Bank, and other relevant departments regarding the issue. While the Governor has given some verbal guidelines, regrettably, Bangladesh Bank has yet to send any formal response outlining specific steps to address the situation.