Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday said the government has designated a senior official of the Industrial Police as a focal point to ensure that ready-made garment (RMG) workers receive their salaries, bonuses and other dues ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr.
“We have appointed a focal point to deal with the matter,” he told reporters after attending two separate meetings on ensuring a safe and smooth Eid journey and the peaceful observance of Independence and National Day.
The minister said the initiative was taken to help prevent labour unrest in the country’s top export-earning sector during the festive period.
According to Salahuddin, leaders of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) recently met government representatives and assured that most garment workers would receive their salaries, festival bonuses and other benefits before Eid.
He expressed hope that factory owners would be able to clear the payments within the stipulated time, adding that the government and banks would extend necessary support to facilitate the process.
The home minister, who is also a standing committee member of the ruling BNP, urged both factory owners and workers to settle any payment-related issues before the festival to maintain stability in the garment sector.
