All pending wages and salary payments owed to factory workers will be settled before the upcoming Eid festival, Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir announced Saturday.

The minister shared the commitment while addressing journalists following consultations with administrative officials at Sylhet Circuit House in the afternoon.

Muktadir revealed that the government has formally communicated with the European Union as part of preparations for free trade arrangements designed to address economic challenges following Bangladesh`s graduation from Least Developed Country status.

He indicated that authorities plan phased negotiations toward free trade agreements with Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom, representing strategic efforts to secure market access beyond traditional trading relationships.

During the same occasion, Expatriates` Welfare, Labour and Employment adviser Ariful Haque Chowdhury reported government initiatives aimed at reopening multiple overseas labour markets that have been restricted or closed to Bangladeshi workers, expressing confidence that positive developments will emerge within the coming month.

Chowdhury also addressed administrative bottlenecks affecting workers bound for Spain, confirming that steps are underway to expedite processing of passports and police clearance certificates required for migration.

Water Resources Minister Shaheed Uddin Chowdhury Anne outlined preparations for the approaching monsoon season, noting ongoing river and canal dredging operations alongside construction of protective embankments in haor wetland areas vulnerable to flooding.

Anne referenced the administration`s strict position against corruption, warning that no irregularities would be permitted in water infrastructure projects currently underway.

Following the administrative review session, the water resources minister conducted field inspections of erosion-affected sections along the Surma River and Chengar River to assess conditions and intervention requirements.

The announcements reflect government attention to multiple policy priorities including labour rights enforcement, trade diversification, overseas employment expansion and disaster preparedness ahead of critical seasonal periods.

The commitment to clear worker arrears before Eid addresses longstanding concerns about delayed wage payments that have periodically affected garment and manufacturing sector employees, particularly during festival seasons when workers require funds for family obligations and celebrations.