Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed said the apparel factory owners would have to pay wages, allowances and bonus to the workers before Eid-ul-Fitr.
The minister made the remarks following a meeting with the European Union Ambassador to Bangladesh William Hanna where he also submitted the review report titled “Staying Engaged: Bangladesh Sustainability Compact – one year on” on a RMG sector compliance compact.
Tofail also said none would be spared if wages and other allowances along with bonus of workers are not paid in the time allotted frame.
Pointing towards the recent protest of Tazrin Fashion Garment workers, Tofail said the factory’s owner is now behind bars. As a result, the workers have not gotten their salaries for last two months.
“We have already talked to the BGMEA leaders about the matter and hope that Tazrin factory workers will get their dues this Eid,” the minister continued.
William Hanna said: “Many progress has been made in the garment sector, but the government should promptly complete the labour law, fire safety as well as complete the appointment of factory inspectors.
In this regard, the commerce minister said the appointment process would be completed by September. On the other hand, the government has already allowed the tax free import for fire safety and construction materials from this year on, he stated.
About formulating the labour law, Tofail said labour leaders would bargain their rights with the owners and two monitoring cell in this regard would be opened soon at the ministry soon.