The government has warned garment factory owners to clear workers' salaries by Thursday or face strict measures, including a travel ban, Labour and Employment Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) M Sakhawat Hussain said on Tuesday.
“Legal action will be taken against those who fail to pay wages within the stipulated time,” Sakhawat said at a press briefing at the Secretariat.
Criticising some factory owners, he said: “Many of them spend on luxury cars, Eid shopping and overseas trips while their workers struggle to receive wages in time. This is unacceptable.”
He urged workers to raise their concerns, assuring them that authorities would take action against any unjust demands from employers.
Sakhawat also revealed that 12 factories are facing various financial issues, with five of them having significant outstanding dues.
“We are in discussions with them to resolve these matters,” he added.
When asked about possible travel restrictions for factory owners, he said: “We will review payments after March 27 before making a decision on travel bans.”
The announcement comes amid growing concerns over wage delays in the ready-made garment (RMG) sector, which employs millions of workers and remains a key driver of Bangladesh’s economy.
