The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Chittagong

Local Administration, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and persons concerned have been working in unison to avert any sorts of labour unrest in the garments sector centering monthly salary and festival bonus ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr.

Though the port city of Chittagong, the second domain of country's readymade garment industry, is relatively enjoying a cordial and peaceful working environment in comparison with Dhaka and its outskirts, the industry leaders, administration officials and owners here are much apprehensive of agitation by workers this year.

There are over 700 RMG factories in the port city and its outskirts, of them, 500 plus are in operation while 300 out of over 500 factories are exporting their products directly, sources said.

" We have already asked the owners to pay due salary first and if possible bonus to their workers before end of this month" Mohammad Ferdous, acting first vice president of BGMEA told BSS on Tuesday.

He said we are watching the situation in every nock and corner of the industry round-the-clock for not to avoid merely the trouble, but ensure that our beloved workers will get their legitimate wages and other benefits before the festival.

Industry leaders opined that situation in the current year is unique and sensitive for both the owners and workers as the entrepreneurs have been facing a tougher time due to global sluggish economic trend while the workers are struggling with meeting their daily needs with limited earnings following unusual hike of prices of essentials.