Pay Wages or Face Jail: Adviser Warns RMG Owners

Adviser Warns RMG Owners: Clear Workers' Dues by May 28 or Face Jail

Labour and Employment Adviser Brigadier General (retd) M Sakhawat Hussain has issued a stern warning to Ready-Made Garment (RMG) factory owners, directing them to pay all outstanding wages and allowances to workers by May 28—or face imprisonment.

Speaking after a high-level meeting at the Shipping Ministry conference room—focused on ensuring passenger safety on waterways ahead of Eid-ul-Azha—Sakhawat emphasized the urgency of settling dues. “Factory owners must pay their workers by May 28, or they will be jailed,” he said.

He revealed that arrest warrants have already been issued against five factory owners. “They cannot even leave Dhaka, let alone go abroad,” he added, naming TNZ Garments and Mahmud Garments among those facing legal action.

Sakhawat acknowledged reports of unrest among garment workers, including plans to march on the Chief Adviser’s residence and Srama Bhaban to demand their dues. In response, the government held extensive talks with RMG owners and labor leaders until late Tuesday evening.

“At that meeting, the owners pledged to pay workers their dues—if necessary, by selling their own homes,” he said. “We are hopeful they will keep their word. There is no alternative.”

He was blunt in his assessment of some industry players: “Those who cannot afford to pay their workers should not be running garment factories. Some are only in this business for show, and that must not be allowed to continue.”

The meeting also covered government security measures for safe Eid travel. It was attended by the shipping secretary and officials from various agencies.