31% of garment factories in 6 key zones yet to pay Eid bonus: Intelligence report
At least 31 percent of garment factories in six key industrial belts had yet to pay Eid bonus to workers as of today (March 17, 2026), even though the government-set deadline has already expired, according to an intelligence agency report.
The report says at least 12 percent of factories also did not pay February wages by today in Dhaka, Gazipur, Ashulia-Savar, Narayanganj, Chattogram and Mymensingh.
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According to the intelligence agency, there are 3,429 garment factories in these six regions. Of them, 3,014 factories had paid wages till today, while only 2,388 had paid Eid bonus.
That means 87.89 percent of factories cleared wages and 69.2 percent paid bonus.
Industrial police officials, however, said pressure was being maintained on factories that failed to clear wages and bonus by today.
Ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, the labour ministry had set a strict deadline for factories to pay February wages by March 9 and bonus by March 12.
Bangladesh Bank also issued a circular allowing one month’s wage-equivalent loans for export-oriented factories.
Gazi Jashim Uddin, additional inspector general of the Industrial Police, said the overall situation in the garment sector was expected to remain manageable, although isolated problems might arise in some factories.
“You know the number of factories is huge. Even if only one percent face problems over wages or bonuses, that still means several factories. If even five factories have disputes and workers come out onto the streets, it can create a significant situation,” he said.
According to him, both the ministry and law enforcement agencies have taken initiatives, while coordination is ongoing with industry associations, including the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association, and Bangladesh Textile Mills Association.
“Most factories have already cleared wages for January and February. Only a small number remain, and those payments are expected to be completed soon,” Jashim said.
The intelligence report shows that out of 689 garment factories in Ashulia and Savar, 607 had paid wages and 469 had paid Eid bonus by yesterday.
In Gazipur and Tongi, 1,064 out of 1,196 factories paid wages, while around 850 paid bonus.
In Dhaka metropolitan area, 436 out of 522 factories paid wages and 360 paid bonus.
In Narayanganj, 349 out of 395 factories paid wages and 272 paid bonus.
In Chattogram, 433 out of 487 factories paid wages and 340 paid bonus. In Mymensingh, 125 out of 140 factories paid wages, while 98 paid Eid bonus.
Earlier in a report on March 8, the home ministry had recommended tripartite talks involving owners, workers and the government to resolve disputes at vulnerable factories, alongside tighter surveillance in garment zones and extended banking hours to facilitate payments. It also warned that workers denied dues might gather on highways or at key public points to press their demands.
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