Concerns are mounting over salary and bonus payments for 21,483 garment workers across 44 factories in Chittagong, as the Eid holiday approaches, according to intelligence reports. Six of these factories have been identified as particularly vulnerable to potential worker unrest.
Mohammad Solaiman, superintendent of the Chattogram Industrial Police, shared with local media that a routine assessment is conducted before every Eid to identify factories at risk of labor unrest due to delayed payments. The reports indicate that financial pressures from decreased work orders, shipment delays, and outstanding payments have left many workers anxious as Eid-ul-Fitr, anticipated to be celebrated on April 1, draws near.
The factories at risk are distributed across various industrial zones, including eight in the Kalurghat BSCIC area, six in the Chittagong Export Processing Zone (CEPZ), and others in Double Mooring, Pahartali, KEPZ, Bayezid, Halishahar, Akbar Shah, Khulshi-Nasirabad, Chaktai, and additional locations.
Among the affected workers, 14,833 are women and 6,650 are men. In response to the situation, the Industrial Police and leaders from the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) have pledged to monitor developments closely and engage with factory owners to alleviate financial strains and mitigate the risk of unrest.
Solaiman noted that the police have already begun negotiations with factory owners to understand their financial difficulties. “By the end of Ramadan, issues are typically resolved in most factories,” he stated, highlighting last year’s experience where 37 factories were deemed vulnerable, resulting in unrest in only two.
Belayet Hossain, former director of BGMEA, explained that an average of 10-15 factories encounter financial crises monthly, with numbers escalating during Ramadan. He added that this year’s challenges are particularly pronounced due to the timing of Eid, as factory owners grapple with making February salary payments, Eid bonuses, and advance payments for March salaries.
The BGMEA has a dedicated team focused on monitoring these vulnerable factories and facilitating crisis resolution. Hossain mentioned that the team has already convened meetings with stakeholders to address the situation.
Md M Mohiuddin Chowdhury, a member of the BGMEA administrative committee and director of Clifton Fashion Ltd, commented on the recent political changes impacting labor movements and the resulting negative perceptions of the country. He noted that while new orders are beginning to come in, not every factory is benefiting, leaving some owners in a precarious position.
Mohiuddin emphasised that factory owners are committed to timely salary and bonus payments, prioritizing the well-being of workers as they prepare for the Eid holidays. The BGMEA is maintaining regular communication with affected factories to prevent any potential unrest.
