Ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr holidays, the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) announced on Wednesday that nearly all workers in the sector have received their outstanding wages and festival bonuses.
According to data presented by BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan during a press briefing at the organization’s headquarters in Uttara, 99.91% of factories have cleared February wages, while 99.81% have disbursed Eid bonuses. The remaining few factories are reportedly in the final stages of completing these payments.
Resilience Amidst Global Economic Headwinds
The BGMEA chief highlighted that the garment sector is currently navigating a period of significant volatility. Despite the successful disbursement of worker benefits, the industry faces stiff challenges from a global economic slowdown and geopolitical tensions.
Key indicators for the first eight months of the current fiscal year (FY 2025-26) show a downward trend:
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Export Earnings: Decreased by 3.73%.
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Back-to-Back LCs: Openings fell by 6.79%.
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Unit Price: The average price per garment dropped by 1.76%.
“There are currently no major unresolved issues regarding February wages in any BGMEA-listed factory,” stated Mahmud Hasan Khan. He noted that even in cases of extreme financial distress, factory owners secured personal funds or collaborated with banks and labor unions to ensure workers were paid before the holidays.
Rising Domestic Costs and Infrastructure Hurdles
The briefing also shed light on the escalating cost of doing business within Bangladesh. Over the last five years, energy costs have skyrocketed, with gas prices increasing by 286% and electricity by 33%.
Despite these price hikes, the industry continues to struggle with inconsistent energy supplies, high interest rates, and a prevailing liquidity crisis in the banking sector.
Key Highlights of the Briefing
| Metric | Status/Value |
| February Wage Disbursement | 99.91% Completed |
| Eid Bonus Disbursement | 99.81% Completed |
| March Advance Wages | Paid by 64.03% of factories |
| Holiday Status (as of March 17) | 50% of factories closed for Eid |
Staggered Holidays for Commuter Ease
To manage the massive rush of home-bound workers and reduce pressure on the national transport infrastructure, BGMEA has implemented a staggered holiday schedule. Approximately 50% of factories began their holidays on March 17, with the remainder expected to close by today or tomorrow.
The President concluded by reiterating the entrepreneurs’ commitment to their workforce, noting that despite the “credit crunch” and industrial pressure, the welfare of the workers remained a top priority this festive season.
