As Eid-ul-Azha looms on June 7, 2025, garment workers in Bangladesh were expected to receive their Eid bonuses in May and May salaries between June 1 and 3. However, only 26.62% of the country’s 9,683 factories—2,578 in total—have paid the Eid-ul-Azha bonuses, leaving 73.38% (7,105 factories) yet to do so.
Similarly, only 8.07% (781 factories) have cleared May salaries, with 91.93% (8,902 factories) still in arrears, according to Industrial Police data released on Saturday, May 31, 2025.
The ready-made garment sector, a vital economic driver, is struggling to meet payment deadlines due to ongoing crises, including gas shortages and a National Board of Revenue (NBR) strike.
These disruptions have intensified financial pressures on factories ahead of the festive season.
In response, the Ministry of Labour and Employment has adopted a tough stance. On May 22, Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hossain warned that factory owners failing to settle outstanding salaries and bonuses by May 28 could face imprisonment.
With the deadline passed and most factories still non-compliant, workers face uncertainty as Eid-ul-Azha approaches, heightening concerns about their financial stability during this critical time.