Labour unrest, a recurring pre-Eid phenomenon in industrial zones, presents an added dimension of volatility this year in the wake of the 5 August mass uprising.
Even before the political upheaval, sporadic episodes of worker discontent had been unfolding, and these tensions persisted.
In response, industrial police have placed factories in these zones under close scrutiny.
Their assessment identifies 203 factories grappling with wage and holiday-related complexities ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr.
According to industrial police sources, multiple meetings have already been convened to address labour concerns.
Notably, on 6 March, a tripartite consultation involving the government, workers, and factory owners decided that all rightful dues must be cleared by the 20th of Ramadan.
Recognising the heightened sensitivity of this year’s industrial climate, stakeholders have adopted an extra layer of vigilance.
As part of this proactive approach, authorities have conducted a three-year data analysis, flagging 203 factories as high-risk.
The identified factories, spanning multiple sectors—including BGMEA, BKMEA, and BTMA—have undergone monthly assessments of their financial viability, particularly regarding payroll obligations.
During the 6 March meeting, these concerns were formally relayed to all stakeholders.
A follow-up discussion with BGMEA, the largest industry body, is scheduled for today.
Industrial police have underscored the importance of preventing job cuts or layoffs before Eid.
Meetings with factory owners have included strong appeals against such actions.
Furthermore, in an effort to maintain law and order, intelligence activities have been ramped up to preclude any disruptive elements from exploiting worker grievances.
Additional Inspector General of Industrial Police Md Sibghat Ullah (PPM) affirmed: “We have taken all necessary precautions. Factory owners must exercise empathy and ensure salary and bonus payments by the 20th of Ramadan. This remains our key focus. The financial burden is undeniable, given that payments must cover February salaries, Eid bonuses, and at least 15 days' wages for March. However, we are urging all stakeholders to honour their commitments on time.”
Across Bangladesh’s eight major industrial zones—Ashulia, Gazipur, Chattogram, Narayanganj, Mymensingh, Khulna, Cumilla, and Sylhet—there are 9,718 factories.
Industrial police data indicate that among them, 203 units are classified as at-risk:
Ashulia: 1,845 factories; 48 flagged as problematic
Gazipur: 2,195 factories; 56 at risk
Chattogram: 1,725 factories; 37 identified
Narayanganj: 1,798 factories; 12 facing financial strain
Mymensingh: 265 factories; 26 in difficulty
Khulna: 775 factories; 15 deemed problematic
Cumilla: 375 factories; 8 flagged
Sylhet: 740 factories; 1 identified as at risk
A sectoral breakdown of the troubled factories reveals that 87 belong to BGMEA, 17 to BKMEA, and 20 to BTMA.
Additionally, 18 factories under BEPZA jurisdiction and 61 independent factories also fall within the problematic category.
Stakeholders in the apparel sector acknowledge that financial distress among factories is not an anomaly.
Authorities have intensified monitoring, with Ashulia and Gazipur divided into 15 clusters for targeted oversight.
Intelligence agencies are also verifying data, while special hotlines have been activated to address emerging concerns.
BGMEA Administrator Md Anwar Hossain noted, “The risks this year are exceptionally high. A deliberate attempt is being made by certain factions to incite instability. Compounding the challenge is the need to disburse three months’ worth of salaries at once. We are working closely with law enforcement and have held prior discussions with vulnerable groups to preempt disruptions.”
He further highlighted two unique factors shaping this year’s Eid situation: “Firstly, the political transition to a new government, which has emphasised ensuring workers’ entitlements. Secondly, the financial burden of lump-sum salary disbursements covering February, March advances, and Eid bonuses. Even solvent companies are grappling with liquidity shortages. We have urged the government to expedite stimulus fund disbursements and requested banks to play a supportive role, despite their own liquidity challenges.”
Beyond financial solvency, industrial police are also factoring in factory owners’ political affiliations when assessing risk levels.
Of the 203 identified factories, 68 are owned by individuals aligned with the Awami League, 11 by BNP-affiliated owners, and one by a Jatiya Party supporter, while 123 belong to politically unaffiliated individuals.
Historical data further reveals that 89 of these 203 factories have experienced pre-Eid labour unrest over the past three years.
Among them, 42 belong to BGMEA, 11 to BKMEA, four to BTMA, and seven to BEPZA, while 25 operate independently of any trade association.
Given the evolving industrial landscape and the precarious economic conditions, authorities remain on high alert to avert any crisis during the Eid period.
