Around 52.6 per cent of industrial units under the jurisdiction of the Industrial Police (IP), including numerous readymade garment factories, had not paid workers’ wages for February as of March 11, despite government instructions to do so.

Data from the IP also revealed that 263 factories, including 139 textile and garment units, are yet to clear January wages.

Earlier, on March 3, Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Hoque Chowdhury instructed all factory owners to pay February wages within seven working days, by March 9, and to disburse festival allowances by March 12.

Factory authorities were additionally advised to provide half of the March wages in advance, following discussions with workers.

Regarding Eid holidays, the government urged factory owners to consult with their employees before making decisions.

According to IP records, a total of 10,100 units—including textile, garment and jute factories—across Dhaka, Gazipur, Chattogram, Narayanganj, Mymensingh, Khulna, Sylhet and Cumilla (excluding Dhaka Metropolitan City) fall under the IP’s authority.

Only 47.4 per cent, or 4,787 factories, had paid February wages, while just 16.03 per cent, or 1,619 units, had paid festival allowances by Wednesday.

Among Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) members, 736 out of 1,542 factories under IP jurisdiction had yet to pay February wages.

Similarly, 438 of 627 Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) members and 232 Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) members had not made payments.

Under the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA), 89 out of 429 factories and 11 out of 76 jute mills were still pending wage payments, while 3,807 non-RMG units also remained in arrears.

Ministry sources said the government appointed an additional Inspector General of Police from the Industrial Police on March 8 to act as a focal point to ensure timely payment of wages, festival allowances and other benefits to garment workers ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed stated the government is giving special attention to preventing the usual pre-Eid labour issues, particularly in the RMG sector.

Law-enforcement agencies identified around 266 factories—including 180 textile and garment units—as at risk of labour unrest, warning that these units may fail to pay wages and festival allowances before the upcoming Eid.

An IP official said that authorities are closely monitoring these vulnerable units and are engaging with factory management to ensure timely payments and prevent any untoward incidents.