At least 790 factories that include textile and readymade garment (RMG) across the country, except for Dhaka metropolitan area, are 'vulnerable' to labour unrest over payment of wages and festival allowance ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, officials said.
People familiar with the situation said non-payment of dues, variety in festival allowance and workload are among other reasons that might fuel unrest.
Of the total 790 factories, some 382 are the members of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), according to Industrial Police (IP).
Some 92 are registered with Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) and 40 are affiliated with Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA).
Thirty-two factories under the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) are listed with IP that might face unrest over non-payment of wage and other allowances.
The number of non-RMG factories is 244 and they all run the risk of witnessing labour unrest, the officials added.
The listed units are located in six IP zones -- Ashulia, Gazipur, Chattogram, Narayanganj, Mymensingh and Khulna areas.
When asked, an IP official said they are closely monitoring these factories and holding meetings with the factory management for timely payment to avoid any untoward incidents.
Labour leaders attributed absence of fixed festival allowance in garment factories, partial and non-payment of festival allowance during last Eid, payment of wages and allowances on the last working day before Eid holiday, mass termination, non-payment of legal benefits and sudden closure or lay-off of factories to the possible risk of unrest.
Bangladesh Garment Workers' Solidarity in separate statements issued on Friday demanded payment of festival allowance by July 20 and full payment of wages for July before Eid holidays.
Concern and anxiety are mounting among the workers ahead of Eid, they said, adding that the workers are in dire straits and facing the risk of losing jobs amid the coronavirus pandemic.
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