The government on Wednesday asked all factory owners, including readymade garment industry, to ensure timely payment of wages and festival allowances to workers ahead of the Eid-ul-Azha holiday.
The instruction came from the state minister for labour Md Nazrul Islam Chowdhury during the 18th meeting of the tripartite consultative committee on RMG industry held at Shrama Bhaban in the city.
Though no specific deadline was mentioned, the call underscores the importance of prompt and fair remuneration for workers during this festive period.
The state minister also instructed factory owners not to terminate any worker and announce lay off of units before Eid.
Eid-ul-Azha, one of the largest religious festivals of the Muslims, will be celebrated in the country in the latter half of June.
During the meeting, Nazma Akter, president of Sammilito Garments Sramik Federation, demanded payment of wages for 15 days in June, in addition to the May wages and festival allowance, to be disbursed before Eid.
She urged the government to ratify ILO (International Labour Organisation) 190 convention concerning the elimination of violence and harassment in the world of work.
Labour leaders in the meeting also demanded stopping of harassment, arrest and withdrawal of cases filed for protesting demanding dues and other lawful rights.
Despite the government鈥檚 repeated calls to refrain from terminating workers before Eid, instances of such terminations persist, labour leaders said.
They alleged that factories compile lists of workers who have participated in wage protests, effectively 鈥榖lacklisting鈥� them and preventing them from finding employment in other units.
A representative from the industrial police noted that undesirable situations occasionally arise in factories that are not affiliated with either BGMEA or BKMEA, as well as in sub-contracting units.
He requested for measures to bring them under the umbrella of any of the two trade bodies to ensure monitoring and compliance.
During the TCC meeting, Razequzzaman Ratan, general secretary of Samajtantrik Sramik Front, recommended implementing precautionary measures to prevent any potential labour issues related to wage payments.
Amirul Haque Amin, general secretary of Jatiya Sramik Federation, proposed synchronising the payment of festival allowances and outstanding dues, if any, along with ensuring timely monthly wage disbursement.
Ardashir Kabir, president of Bangladesh Employers鈥� Federation, emphasised the significance of prompt payment to avoid complications and urged the government to expedite the release of the Tk 40 billion cash incentive.
Additionally, he appealed to labour leaders to educate workers about their rights and obligations.
Labour secretary Mahbub Hossain and Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments inspector general Abdur Rahim Khan, among others, were present in the meeting.
