The readymade garments (RMG) workers will get their Eid-ul-Azha festival allowances by September 20 as they can leave Dhaka or the workplace to observe Eid with their family members. Earlier in this regard, the RMG factory owners split up on the decision whether their workers would be paid half of the September month’s salaries. Though a section of industry owners were interested to pay the amount, but later it was postponed. The decisions were taken at a meeting of the apparel owners held at Ashulia’s Owner’s Club on Thursday night, sources of the Bangladesh Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) confirmed. BGMEA Vice President Shahidullah Azim admitted the decision of the BGMEA, saying, “The owners are sincere to pay the allowances of the workers before Eid. The apparel owners are also trying to start the Eid holidays of the workers soon.” Most of the garment workers will enjoy at least seven days Eid vacation beginning from September 24. To ensure the longer trip, most of the garment owners are running their factories during the holidays. Shahidullah Azim also said “Though we’re sincere to give the salaries of September before the Eid, some of the owners would not be able to pay by the time. They have been requested to take necessary steps of paying the salaries according to their ability.” Garment worker leaders demanded their salaries of September to enjoy Eid-ul-Azha with their families smoothly. “The Eid holidays will be ended in the beginning of the October. So, it would be better for the workers if the authorities concerned take steps of paying the September salaries advance,” said garments workers leader Tapan Saha.
