| A vast majority of country’s ready-made garment factories have cleared worker dues ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, with more than 94 percent paying festival bonuses and over 99 percent settling April wages, according to new industry data released by the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) on Monday.
The summary report, based on figures updated through May 23, covers 2,134 operational factories across Dhaka and Chattogram, two of the country’s main garment manufacturing hubs.
BGMEA data shows that 2,117 factories, or 99.20 percent of those active, have already paid wages for April. Eid bonuses have been disbursed by 2,021 factories, accounting for 94.70 percent of the total. In addition, 767 factories, representing 35.94 percent, have advanced a portion of May salaries to workers.
In the Dhaka industrial belt, compliance levels remain similarly high. Out of 1,984 active factories, nearly all have cleared outstanding wages: 1,983 factories paid March salaries and an equivalent number settled April wages, reflecting near-total compliance.
Around 1,909 factories, or 95.98 percent, have also paid Eid bonuses, while 690 factories have issued advance wages for May.
Chattogram factories also reported strong performance. All 380 active units paid March wages in full, while 334 factories cleared April salaries. Eid bonuses were provided by 352 factories, and 97 factories extended advance payments for May wages.
Alongside wage distribution figures, the BGMEA report also detailed a phased worker release schedule in Dhaka to manage holiday travel pressure. On May 24, 108 factories sent workers on leave, accounting for about 6 percent.
A further 664 factories released staff on May 25, while 771 were scheduled for May 26. The remaining 251 factories are expected to complete worker dispersal on May 27, ahead of the Eid holidays.
Industry officials said the coordinated payment and leave arrangements are aimed at ensuring smooth operations and reducing pressure on transport systems during the festive period.
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