DHAKA, March 18 (BSS) – Garment entrepreneurs have successfully ensured payment of wages, allowances, and Eid bonuses to workers despite pressures from the global economic slowdown, geopolitical tensions, and growing competition in international markets.  

At a press briefing held at the BGMEA Complex, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Mahmud Hasan Khan said member factories made all-out efforts to clear workers’ dues, driven by a strong sense of responsibility.  

“As a result, workers have received their lawful dues, which has helped maintain peace and stability in the industrial belts,” he said.  

Khan expressed gratitude to the government for its timely support, noting that special loan facilities for February wages and the swift disbursement of Tk 2,500 crore in cash assistance eased liquidity constraints and kept the sector operational.  

- February wages: 99.91% of BGMEA-listed factories paid.  

- Eid bonuses: 99.81% disbursed.  

- Remaining factories are in the process of settling dues, expected to be completed within the day.  

- Around 64.03% of factories have also provided partial March wages in advance on humanitarian grounds.  

To reduce congestion on highways, factories are granting holidays in phases based on location. As of March 17, around 50% of factories had already declared holidays, with the rest expected to follow by today and tomorrow.  

The briefing was chaired by the BGMEA president and attended by senior vice-presidents, vice-presidents, and directors including Enamul Haq Khan, Mizanur Rahman, Vidiya Amrit Khan, Md Shehab Udduza Chowdhury, Shah Rayeed Chowdhury, Faisal Samad, Nafis-ud-Doula, Majumdar Arifur Rahman, Sheikh Hossain Mohammad Mostafiz, Kazi Mizanur Rahman, Ziarat Mohammad Hosne Komar Alam, ABM Samsuddin, Dr. Rashid Ahmed Hossaini, Rumana Rashid, Mohammad Sohel, and Samiha Azim.  

END/AJ/RH