The interim government has imposed a travel ban on the owners of 12 readymade garment (RMG) factories for failing to clear the wages owed to workers within the deadline set by the authorities.
Labour and Employment Adviser Brig Gen (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain announced the decision at a press conference at the Secretariat on Tuesday (25 March). But he didn’t disclose the names of the factories.
He said the Ministry of Home Affairs has provided information about the factory owners to immigration authorities, and the ban is effective from today.
The owners will not be allowed to travel abroad until they clear the outstanding payments, he added.
"The owners of these factories travel abroad, build houses and cars—there is no problem there. But there is a problem when it comes to paying the workers' dues," Sakhawat said.
Garment workers were supposed to receive their salaries and allowances by 27 March, he added.
The government will take the strictest action against those failing to meet their obligations under labour laws, he added.
Regarding potential action against other factories, he stated that all workers' salaries and bonuses must be paid by 27 March.
"After that, we will review the situation. If any more factories fail to pay, maximum legal action will be taken against them as well," he said.
