Thousands of factories have yet to pay workers’ wages and Eid bonuses

Despite a government-set deadline, many workers across industries—including export-oriented ready-made garment (RMG) factories—had yet to receive their February wages and Eid bonuses as of 16 March.

The delay persists even though the government introduced a concessional loan facility to help export-oriented firms pay workers’ salaries and benefits ahead of the festival.

Data from the Industrial Police shows that out of 10,100 factories under its supervision, 7,556 (74.81%) had cleared February wages and allowances by 16 March, while 2,544 (25.19%) had not. In terms of Eid bonuses, 5,093 factories (50.43%) had made payments, leaving 5,007 (49.57%) still pending.

To support exporters before Eid, Bangladesh Bank recently disbursed Tk2,500 crore in incentives across 43 sectors, including textiles, frozen seafood, and leather. It also introduced a special loan facility allowing export-oriented factories to borrow funds to cover one month’s wages.

Small, subcontracting factories face the biggest challenges

Md Towhidur Rahman, chairman of the Bangladesh Garment Workers Unity Council, said workers in small and subcontracting factories are bearing the brunt of the delays.

“Workers hope to receive their bonuses before Eid so they can celebrate with their families. But some factory owners delay payments every year, which is unfortunate,” he said.

He noted that while workers contribute year-round, they often do not receive their dues on time. “Factory owners seek government support annually, but this culture must change. They should prepare months in advance to ensure timely payments,” he added.

Industry leaders hopeful of resolution before Eid

Mohammad Hatem, president of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association, acknowledged that financial pressures have delayed some payments but said the garment sector remains relatively better off than others.

“The overall percentage looks high because it includes multiple sectors. The RMG industry maintains higher compliance standards,” he said, expressing optimism that all dues would be cleared before Eid.

He added that workers are expected to take Eid holidays from 19 to 27 March. “Although there are officially three days of leave, factories usually adjust additional days around Eid, excluding Fridays,” he said.

Md Shehab Udduza Chowdhury, vice-president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, said there are 2,127 factories in Dhaka and Chattogram employing over four million workers. “Banks have already released funds, and we expect most payments to be completed before Eid. Only about 1% of factories may face difficulties,” he said.

Earlier, Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury instructed factory owners to clear all outstanding wages and bonuses before the festival.

“All concerned must ensure that there are no complications regarding workers’ dues under any circumstances,” he said.