United News of Bangladesh

Despite clear directives from the government, nearly half of the country’s industrial units have failed to clear Eid bonuses for their workers, while one-fourth are still sitting on outstanding wages for February. The Ministry of Labour and Employment had earlier instructed factory owners to clear February’s salaries by March 9 and Eid bonuses by March 12. However, data from the Industrial Police reveals that as of Monday, these deadlines have been largely ignored by a significant number of employers. According to the Industrial Police, which monitors 10,100 factories across the country, 2,544 units (25 percent) have not yet paid February’s wages. Furthermore, 5,007 factories accounting for 45.57 percent of the total are yet to provide Eid bonuses to their employees. Earlier this month, following a tripartite meeting between the government, owners, and labor leaders, Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury issued the payment deadlines. To facilitate this, the government even arranged soft loans for export-oriented industries and released Tk 2,500 crore in cash assistance. Despite these measures, workers in several areas have been forced to take to the streets to demand their dues, a recurring scene ahead of the Eid holidays. Salahuddin Shapan, former Secretary General of the Industrial Bangladesh Council, alleged that some garment owners are intentionally delaying payments. "They fear that if bonuses and February salaries are paid early, workers will demand a portion of March’s wages before leaving for the holidays," he said. In Gazipur, the fate of over a hundred workers at HDF Apparels remains uncertain as the factory owner is reportedly untraceable. In Narayanganj, a potential crisis was averted after leaders of the BKMEA provided a Tk 30 lakh loan to a struggling factory to cover its payroll. Millions leave Dhaka ahead of Eid; security tightened as terminals overflow However, Mohammad Hatem, President of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), expressed optimism. "Banks in the industrial zones will remain open this Wednesday and Thursday. We expect most factories to clear all dues and start holidays by then," he told the media. Data from the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) shows a better track record for its members. Out of 2,127 active BGMEA-listed factories, only 37 are yet to pay February salaries, while 76 have not yet cleared Eid bonuses. Notably, 478 factories have already provided advance wages for the current month of March. BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan stated that the organization is closely monitoring the situation. "If any factory faces last-minute difficulties, we will step in to find a solution," he assured. The BGMEA further informed that the staggered Eid holidays would begin today (Tuesday) for 35 percent of its factories, followed by 45 percent on Wednesday and the remaining units on Thursday.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecast a rise in rainfall in parts of Bangladesh after March 18 which could disrupt travel and outdoor activities during the upcoming Eid al-Fitr. According to the Met office bulletin issued on Saturday, rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty winds and lightning are likely at a few places in Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions and at one or two places in Rajshahi , Rangpur , Dhaka , Khulna,  Barishal and Chattogram divisions. Isolated hailstorms may also occur in some areas. The forecast, valid for the next 24 hours from 9 am Saturday. Besides, day and night temperatures across the country may fall slightly. It said a trough of low pressure lies over West Bengal and adjoining areas while the seasonal low remains over the South Bay of Bengal, influencing weather conditions in Bangladesh. The capital Dhaka experienced its first pre-monsoon thunderstorm with hail on Friday evening. Lightning flashes were followed by heavy rain mixed with hail, briefly disrupting movement in several areas. Many shoppers heading out for Eid took shelter under shop verandas and canopies while traffic congestion slowed commuters in parts of the city. Despite the brief disruption, the rainfall brought relief after a hot day, lowering temperatures and offering some comfort to residents. The Met office had earlier indicated that the season’s first pre-monsoon weather system, locally known as “Godhuli,” would become active from Friday night, initially affecting northeastern parts of the country. The government has declared March 18 a public holiday to help ensure smoother travel for people returning to their hometowns for Eid al-Fitr. As a result, government officials and employees will enjoy a continuous holiday from March 17 to March 23.

Bangladesh pace-bowler Rubel Hossain extended helping hand to the poor people of his own district Bagerhat. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, many people have been left stranded in his district.