Garment workers have warned of surrounding the Ministry of Labour and Employment building if Eid bonuses and due wages are not paid.
The warning came during a rally jointly organized by the National Garment Workers Federation and the Ekota Garment Workers Federation on Friday.
Speakers said that every year, ahead of Eid, factory owners delay or withhold Eid bonuses and outstanding wages under various pretexts.
While they continue to receive benefits from the government, such as VAT exemptions, bank loan facilities and export incentives, many factory owners attempt to pay either only a portion or a nominal amount as Eid bonuses to the workers.
In several cases, they (the owners) try to avoid making the payments altogether, the labour leaders said.
Such practices contribute to instability in the sector, they added.
The speakers went on to say that owners often cite reduced exports, limited access to bank loans, or low production as reasons for their inability to pay workers.
However, in reality, many owners continue to generate profits over the years, expand their businesses and establish new factories, they added.
Some have also acquired luxury homes, vehicles, and even second residences abroad, they said.
The speakers further said that the garment sector employs approximately 4.2 million workers, the majority of whom are women, adding that the sector contributes around 84% of the country’s foreign currency earnings.
Therefore, the demand was made for payment of Eid bonuses equivalent to one month’s salary, along with all outstanding wages and allowances, prior to Eid.
The speakers concluded that if these demands are not met, garment workers will organize a demonstration in front of the ministry.