Majority of industrial units under the jurisdiction of the Industrial Police (IP), excluding those in Dhaka Metropolitan area, had yet to disburse festival allowances to workers by Saturday, the government’s deadline.

According to IP data, only about 33.17 per cent—or 3,212 out of 9,683 units—had complied with the instruction to pay festival allowances.

The interim government had, during a Tripartite Consultative Committee meeting held on 28 May, instructed all industrial units to pay festival allowances by May 31 and wages for the month of May by June 3.

Despite the directive, IP figures indicate that only 786 factories (8.12 per cent) have paid May wages so far. This leaves a staggering 8,897 units—or around 92 per cent—still owing wages for the current month.

According to labour law, monthly wages must be paid within the first seven working days of the following month.

Law enforcement agencies had earlier identified 198 garment factories across various industrial zones as being at risk of labour unrest, with concerns they may not be able to clear wages and festival allowances before Eid-ul-Azha.

In response to the government’s instructions, the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) issued a circular advising its members to pay festival allowances by May 31 and May wages by June 3.

The circular also noted that, if necessary, May wages could be paid before the start of Eid holidays, considering production and shipment schedules, after consultation with the respective workers.

In such cases, factory management was urged to ensure there was no unrest among the workforce.

The BGMEA reported that 2,092 member factories are currently in operation. Of these, 750 had not paid festival allowances as of Thursday, according to data.

Additionally, two factories in Gazipur had not cleared wages for March, while 19 others were yet to pay for April.

Amid confusion triggered by a government announcement granting a 10-day Eid vacation for public sector employees, the Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoLE) clarified on May 20 that workers in industrial sectors would observe Eid-ul-Azha holidays in accordance with existing labour laws.

Regarding Eid leave, the BGMEA advised member factories to consult with workers and, where feasible, adjust earned or general leave and weekly holidays to announce a maximum 10-day break.