The government has enacted a travel restriction on the proprietors of 12 ready-made garment factories due to their failure to disburse workers’ salaries and bonuses by the deadline established by the authorities.

Labour and Employment Adviser Brig Gen (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain made this announcement during a press conference at the Secretariat on March 25.

He indicated that the Ministry of Home Affairs has shared the details of the factory owners with immigration officials, and the travel ban is effective immediately.

The affected owners will be prohibited from leaving the country until they fulfill their outstanding financial obligations, he noted.

Currently, 344 RMG units have yet to distribute Eid bonuses, with 36 identified as being at high risk of defaulting.

“The owners of these factories can travel abroad and invest in properties and vehicles without issue. However, they struggle to meet their responsibilities towards their workers,” Sakhawat remarked.

The adviser mentioned that garment workers were expected to receive their salaries and allowances by March 27.

Nevertheless, 12 factories have communicated their inability to make timely payments, leading to unrest in five of these locations.

The government is prepared to take stringent measures against those who do not comply with labor laws, he added.

In response to inquiries about the specific factories involved, Sakhawat Hossain stated that their names cannot be disclosed.

Regarding potential repercussions for other factories, he emphasized that all workers’ salaries and bonuses must be paid by March 27.

“Following that date, we will assess the situation. Should any additional factories fail to meet their obligations, we will pursue the maximum legal action against them as well,” he stated.