Concerns have arisen regarding salary and bonus payments for 21,483 garment workers across 44 factories in Chattogram, ahead of the Eid holiday, according to intelligence reports.
Of the factories, six are at greater risk of worker unrest, the reports state.
Mohammad Solaiman, superintendent of Chattogram Industrial Police, told TBS, “Before every Eid, we make a list of vulnerable garments and other factories where there is a possibility of labour unrest due to non-payment of salaries and bonuses.
The intelligence reports mention that financial pressures, stemming from dwindling work orders, shipment delays, and outstanding payments, have left many workers uncertain ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, which is likely to be celebrated on 1 April.
The vulnerable factories include eight in the Kalurghat BSCIC industrial area, six in CEPZ, six in Double Mooring, five in Pahartali, three in KEPZ, three in Bayezid, two in Halishahar, two in Akbar Shah, two in the Khulshi-Nasirabad industrial area, two in Chaktai, and one each in Karnaphuli, Boalkhali, Patiya, Hathazari, and Panchlaish.
Among the vulnerable workers, 14,833 are women, and 6,650 are men.
However, the Industrial Police and leaders of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) have assured that they are monitoring the situation and keeping in contact with the owners of the vulnerable factories to resolve the financial crisis and prevent potential unrest.
Solaiman said, “Once the list is prepared, we appoint officers to communicate with the factory owners and learn about their financial crisis. They not only maintain contact but also negotiate with the entrepreneurs to resolve the crisis. By the end of Ramadan, problems are typically resolved in most factories.”
The Chattogram Industrial Police super said last year, there were 37 vulnerable factories and labour unrest occurred in two of them. “This year, the number has increased to 44. We have already started negotiating and following up with the vulnerable factories. We hope that we will be able to resolve the crisis in most of the factories this year as well.”
Explaining the difficult situation, Belayet Hossain, former director of BGMEA, said on average, 10-15 factories face financial crises every month.
He said, “The number increases during Ramadan. This year, the situation is even more challenging due to the timing of Eid. After making payments for February’s salary, factory owners will have to pay the Eid bonus. Then, they will face pressure to pay an advance on March’s salary. This will be very tough for most factory owners.”
There is a dedicated wing in the BGMEA assigned to monitor vulnerable factories and help them resolve the crisis, Belayet said, adding that the wing has already held a meeting with stakeholders and is working tirelessly.
Md M Mohiuddin Chowdhury, a member of the BGMEA administrative committee and director of Clifton Fashion Ltd, said, “After a change in the political landscape, some labour movements had a negative impact on the country’s reputation. Additionally, the labour unrest in Dhaka disturbed some buyers.
“However, new orders are now coming in, though not everyone has received them yet, leaving some factory owners in a difficult situation.”
Mohiuddin emphasised that factory owners never want to delay salary and bonus payments. “Their priority is to clear dues and allow workers to enjoy their Eid holidays. We are aware of the situation in some factories and are maintaining regular communication with them to prevent worker unrest.”
