BGMEA President SM Mannan on Wednesday said that the salary and bonus of Eid-ul-Fitr have been paid in 100% factories.
“This time the context is slightly different. Our apparel industry is going through a critical moment. In the last five years, our production cost has increased by almost 50% while bank interest is now 13 to 14%,” Mannan said in a press conference at the Uttara office of BGMEA.
“On the other hand, wages have risen by 56% since January, making it difficult for many factory owners to continue business. Because, even if wages increase, we are not getting the right price for our products. Instead, the price of products has fallen from 6 to 18%,” he added.
“Factories are forced to accept orders at discounted prices just to survive. And this Eid, we have to pay bonuses as per the new wage structure, which has created a difficult situation for many factories. However, despite all the odds, the entrepreneurs have tried their best, and the salary and bonus have been paid before Eid. Many have personally sacrificed for this,” he continued.
The BGMEA president said: “I will request that the government pay special attention to the garment factories that are not members of BGMEA or BKMEA so that no unpleasant situation is created around these factories.
“We started monitoring these factories with 22 teams of 50 people all over Bangladesh. Some labour related issues were found in 25 factories during monitoring, which have been resolved. Each and every worker received a salary and the Eid bonus.”
