122 RMG units fail paying Feb salaries, 723 skip Eid bonus
A significant portion of Bangladesh’s readymade garment and textile sector is facing criticism for failing to meet workers’ financial obligations.
Industrial police sources reveal that 122 factories have not paid their workers’ outstanding salaries for February, while 723 factories have yet to disburse Eid-ul-Fitr bonuses.
Additionally, 30 factories have unpaid salaries dating back to January or earlier months.
According to an industrial police report, out of the 2,890 garment factories currently operational under BGMEA (Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association), BKMEA (Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association), BTMA (Bangladesh Textile Mills Association), and BEPZA (Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority):
2,768 factories have paid their workers’ February salaries, 122 factoriesremain delinquent in paying February wages, 30 factories have unpaid salaries from January or earlier months.
For March, 422 factories have disbursed half of their workers’ salaries as advance payments. However, many factories are still non-compliant with the legal requirement to pay full salaries within the first seven working days of the following month, as stipulated by labour laws.
Regarding Eid bonuses, 2,167 factories have already paid their workers, but 723 factories —approximately 25% of the total—have yet to provide this mandatory benefit.
The issue extends beyond the garment sector. Among the 9,695 industrial units nationwide—including jute mills and other industries: 6,673 factories have paid their Eid-ul-Fitr bonuses, 1,835 factories have disbursed March salaries, 7,860 factories - about 81.7% of the total - still owe March salaries to their workers.
In response to the delays, the government has taken strict measures against factory owners who fail to meet payment deadlines.
The authorities have imposed travel bans on the owners of 12 factories for failing to pay workers’ salaries and bonuses within the stipulated timeframe. These individuals will be prohibited from traveling abroad until they settle their dues.
Labour and Employment Advisor Brigadier General (Retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hossain emphasised the government’s stance: “Garment factory workers’ salaries and allowances were supposed to be paid by March 27. However, 12 factories have failed to comply, citing inability to pay. Dissatisfaction among workers is growing in five of these factories.”
Hossain warned, “Those unable to pay salaries and allowances within the stipulated time will face maximum legal action under the labour law. Travel bans are just the beginning.”
The delays in salary and bonus payments have raised concerns about compliance with labour laws and the welfare of workers, especially during a critical period like Eid-ul-Fitr.
Workers rely heavily on timely payments to meet their families’ needs, and the failure to disburse salaries and bonuses exacerbates financial hardships.
Industry experts stress the need for stricter enforcement of labour laws and greater accountability for factory owners. They also call for transparent monitoring mechanisms to ensure workers’ rights are protected and that non-compliant factories face appropriate penalties.
