In a bid to resolve the ongoing labour unrest, workers and factory owners have agreed on an 18-point demand.
As a result, all industrial factories across the country are set to reopen from Wednesday.
A joint statement was issued on Tuesday, following a press conference held in the meeting room of the Ministry of Labor and Employment.
The announcement detailed the resolution of labour disputes, with both sides agreeing on key demands.
Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, Adviser to the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Home Adviser Lt Gen Jahangir Alam Chowdhury (Retd), Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan, Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhtar, and Labour and Employment Secretary AHM Shafiquzzaman were present at the press conference.
The key demands accepted by factory owners include: Payment of tiffin allowances, implementation of the minimum wage in all factories by October 10, distribution of rations through TCB and OMS in labor-intensive areas, payment of outstanding worker dues by October 10, monitoring to prevent unfair dismissals and shortlisting of workers, addressing false settlements and disputes among workers and buyers, reviewing and resolving cases related to worker oppression, including the minimum wage movement, through the Law Ministry.
The owners also agreed to end employment discrimination, provide compensation to those affected by the July movement, forming committees on Rana Plaza and Tazreen Fashion accidents, ensuring daycare centres in all factories, providing 120 days of maternity leave for female workers.
The also agreed to establish a three-member committee to set the minimum wage, amending labour laws, introducing provident funds through labour-employer negotiations, and establishing a committee to review annual wage increments based on commodity price changes.
Secretary AHM Shafiquzzaman confirmed that both sides had reached an agreement, with 35 worker representatives and several owners present at the meeting.
With these demands accepted, factories will resume operations on Wednesday.