B Mirror Report:  Around 26.35 per cent of factories under the jurisdiction of the Industrial Police (IP) across key industrial zones in Bangladesh have not yet paid workers’ wages for April, raising concerns ahead of Eid-ul-Adha.

According to IP data, 10,238 factories are operating under its supervision in eight industrial zones Ashulia, Gazipur, Chattogram, Narayanganj, Mymensingh, Khulna, Cumilla, and Sylhet excluding Dhaka Metropolitan City. Of these, 2,698 factories, including 751 readymade garment (RMG) and textile units and 1,947 non-RMG factories, had not cleared April wages as of Saturday.

The highest rate of wage non-payment was recorded in Narayanganj at 57.30 per cent, followed by Ashulia at 42.93 per cent, Mymensingh at 26.62 per cent, and Gazipur at 22.54 per cent.

Industry association data further shows that over 22 per cent of BGMEA-listed factories, 31.78 per cent of BKMEA member units, and 123 BTMA-affiliated mills have yet to pay wages for the month. Additionally, eight factories under BEPZA and seven jute mills were also found to be in arrears.

Labour leaders have warned that delays in wage payments ahead of Eid-ul-Adha could trigger unrest in industrial areas. At a recent tripartite consultative committee meeting, they urged government intervention to ensure timely payment of dues.

Labour Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury has instructed factory owners to pay festival allowances by May 21 and ensure monthly wages are disbursed on time in accordance with labour laws to avoid any disruption.

Meanwhile, following requests from factory owners, the government has released Tk 15 billion in export cash incentives as the fourth tranche for the 2025–26 fiscal year. The incentives cover 43 export-oriented sectors, including garments, frozen fish and shrimp, leather goods, and jute products, ranging from 0.30 per cent to 10 per cent depending on export categories.