B Mirror Desk : Brig Gen (retd) M Sakhawat Hussain, the Labour and Employment Adviser to the caretaker government, stated yesterday that garment factory owners are required to settle their workers’ outstanding wages by May 28, prior to Eid-ul-Azha, or they may face imprisonment. He warned, ‘Failure to comply could result in jail time,’ noting that ‘warrants have been issued’ for nearly all owners who have evaded payment and gone into hiding, as reported by a private television channel.

Sakhawat, who also advises the shipping ministry, made these comments to reporters at the shipping ministry, according to the state news agency Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS). He mentioned that a meeting with several factory owners occurred on Tuesday, during which it was agreed that all wage arrears would be settled by May 28. His statements came after protests earlier that day, where hundreds of workers from eight TNZ Group factories blocked the road near Kakrail Mosque in the capital, demanding unpaid wages and other benefits. Police had previously intervened to prevent the workers from marching towards the chief adviser’s residence at the State Guest House Jamuna.

Witnesses reported that the protesters gathered at Shrom Bhaban, which accommodates the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments, the Department of Labour, and the Labour Welfare Foundation. In his remarks to the press, Sakhawat indicated that matters concerning the ready-made garment sector typically fall under the purview of the industries and commerce ministries.

However, he felt it necessary to intervene due to the critical nature of the situation. He also mentioned that measures are being implemented to issue a ‘red alert’ for factory owners with arrest warrants who have left the country, and some owners have been instructed not to leave the city. ‘Wages for workers must be disbursed, even if it necessitates [owners] selling their assets or vehicles,’ he asserted.

Sakhawat emphasized that those who cannot afford to pay their employees should exit the garment industry. He acknowledged the presence of responsible employers contributing to the sector’s growth driven by increasing exports. However, he noted that some individuals entered the ready-made garment business merely to pass time or enhance their reputation.

While he expressed concern for the workers, he advised them against ‘wasting their time’ by lingering in his office. Previously, on March 25, the government enacted a travel restriction on 12 factory owners who had not met their wage and bonus obligations. Sakhawat indicated that the travel ban would be rescinded if the payments were made by March 27.