Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury has directed that all industrial factories in Bangladesh must pay workers’ pending wages and bonuses before the upcoming Eid holidays. He issued the instruction during a high-level meeting at his official residence on Bailey Road, Dhaka, aimed at resolving labour unrest in both RMG and non-RMG sectors. The ministry later confirmed the directive in a press release on Saturday.

The minister also announced that lists of vulnerable factories would be prepared and shared with respective Members of Parliament, who will coordinate with factory authorities to ensure timely payments. He instructed officials to engage with banks delaying loan disbursements, including UCBL, Trust, and Premier Bank, to expedite financial support. Chowdhury further urged vigilance against labour leaders inciting unrest and ordered the preparation of a list of absconding owners to prevent disturbances.

BGMEA and BKMEA leaders reported that most factories have already paid February wages and Eid bonuses, expressing optimism that no major labour unrest will occur. The ministry’s secretary suggested creating an emergency fund to permanently address wage and bonus issues.