Wage Board for Garment Workers to Be Formed Sunday

Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury speaks at a press briefing at Shram Bhaban in Bijoynagar following a meeting with representatives of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) on Saturday.

Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury has said a wage board will be formed on Sunday to set new wages for garment workers, adding that there is no reason for workers to continue their agitation.

The minister made the announcement at a press briefing at Shram Bhaban in Bijoynagar following a meeting with representatives of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA).

He said the decision to form the new wage board on Sunday was taken after five hours of continuous discussions with workers’ leaders on Friday.

Noting that BGMEA and BKMEA leaders had accepted the workers’ demand for a wage board, he said there should be no further dispute over the issue.

Ariful said discussions were also held with representatives of the two trade bodies on paying workers’ outstanding wages. They would speak to factory owners and take steps to clear the dues as soon as possible, he added.

“Initiatives have been taken for forming the wage board and paying the arrears. So, there is no need for vandalism or keeping factories shut at this stage. Such activities may damage the garment industry,” the minister said.

He alleged that although workers were continuing their jobs in different factories, some outsiders were entering workplaces and inciting them to join the agitation.

The minister urged the media to use video footage to distinguish genuine workers from those participating in the agitation.

He said the meeting also discussed ensuring that workers receive their wages by the seventh day of every month.

However, he warned that factory closures could disrupt production and the supply of goods.

“If goods cannot be delivered to buyers, owners will not receive payment, which may in turn create problems in paying workers’ wages,” he said.

Calling on workers to return to work, the minister said the government had taken steps to address their demands.

He stressed that factory owners, workers and all other stakeholders must act responsibly to maintain stability in the garment industry.