344 RMG Factories In Bangladesh Yet To Clear Eid Bonuses; Protests Escalate
According to the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), 344 readymade garment (RMG) factories have yet to pay Eid-ul-Fitr bonuses, despite the deadline set for the 20th of Ramadan. Additionally, factories were required to clear half of March’s salary before Eid, but 84 units have either only partially paid or not paid at all.
As of March 24, BGMEA data indicates that 83.67% of RMG factories in Dhaka and Chattogram had disbursed bonuses, while 98.53% had cleared February wages. Stakeholders anticipate that outstanding payments will be resolved by the end of the week or before the holidays.
However, concerns remain as 36 factories face severe financial constraints, making it difficult to fulfill wage, bonus, and allowance obligations. This comes amid ongoing worker protests across major industrial hubs. In the Chattogram Export Processing Zone, JMS Garments workers blocked Airport Road, while at Roar Fashion in Bhaluka, around 1,200 workers protested at BGMEA Bhaban in Uttara. In Gazipur, TNZ Apparels workers blocked roads in Paltan, while unrest erupted at Sterling Designs in Kaliakair and Fame Design in Narayanganj over demands for extended Eid holidays. The situation turned violent at Fame Design, where officials were attacked and several workers were hospitalized.
Despite financial pressures and ongoing protests, BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem remains optimistic that all dues will be cleared before Eid, allowing workers to celebrate with their families.
