Nearly 50 Ctg factories may face salary-bonus crisis ahead of Eid

Published : Wednesday, 13 May, 2026 at 3:38 PM Count : 15

As Eid-ul-Azha approaches, nearly 50 factories in Chattogram’s industrial belt may struggle to pay workers’ salaries and Eid bonuses on time, raising fears of labour unrest ahead of the festival.

According to the latest report from the Chattogram Industrial Police, 48 factories are currently facing financial uncertainty regarding payment of wages and bonuses to around 24,000 workers and staff members. Many of the factories identified during Eid-ul-Fitr remain on the risk list this time as well, increasing concerns over possible protests, demonstrations, and instability in the industrial sector.

Industrial Police officials said efforts are underway to resolve the situation through regular communication with factory owners and workers.

Thousands of Workers at Risk

Data from Chattogram Industrial Police show that the 48 factories, spread across 10 industrial zones, employ approximately 21,481 workers and 2,021 staff members who may face uncertainty over Eid payments.

In the Patenga zone (KEPZ), four factories employing 3,943 workers and 431 staff members are considered at risk. In the Bandar zone (CEPZ), eight factories with 4,094 workers and 307 staff members may face difficulties paying wages and allowances.

The Double Mooring zone has one factory employing 376 workers and staff members, while four factories in the Pahartali zone employ 289 workers and 32 staff members.

In the Sitakunda zone, Mars Textile Limited, a spinning mill currently under layoff, has left 860 workers and staff concerned about receiving their dues before Eid.

The Chandgaon zone has the highest number of vulnerable factories, with 14 factories employing 7,081 workers and 485 office staff. In the Panchlaish zone, three factories employing 1,840 workers and 135 staff members are also facing uncertainty.

Meanwhile, two factories in the Kotwali zone employ 293 workers, and seven factories in the Karnaphuli zone employ 2,284 workers and 292 staff members who are worried about receiving salaries and bonuses before Eid.

Industrial Police Monitoring Situation

Superintendent of Police of Chattogram Industrial Police, Abdullah Al-Mahmud, said authorities are assessing the risk levels of factories and working closely with both owners and workers.

“We have identified around 48 factories that may face problems paying Eid wages and bonuses based on preliminary information. Discussions are ongoing with owners and workers, and the final list of high-risk factories is still being prepared,” he said.

He added that in some cases labour unrest can arise even where wages are paid regularly. Recently, workers at two factories staged demonstrations demanding an extension of Eid holidays despite having no salary-related disputes.

“We are maintaining close communication with factory owners to ensure that no crisis emerges before Eid,” he added.

Industry Struggling Since Pandemic.

Officials said Chattogram’s industrial area currently has around 1,676 factories. Authorities are trying to ensure that workers receive April salaries, at least 20 days’ wages for May, and Eid bonuses before the holiday.

Some factories have already paid April salaries, but others continue to struggle with overdue wages and bonus payments.

A senior official of a factory, speaking anonymously, said the company had once been known for being worker-friendly and had never faced labour unrest. However, the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted operations.

“After the pandemic, we could no longer maintain a balance between income and expenditure. Due to reduced work orders, we had to downsize operations and lay off workers after settling their dues. Even after reducing manpower by half, the owner is struggling to continue operations,” the official said.

He added that while April salaries have mostly been cleared, it may not be possible to pay May salaries before Eid. However, eligible workers would still receive their bonuses.

EPZ Authorities Hopeful

Executive Director of Karnaphuli EPZ, Mahbub Ahmed, said three of the four factories listed by Industrial Police in the EPZ area have already paid April salaries and are expected to pay bonuses as well.

However, a shoe factory named Strong Footwear, which has shut down operations, remains uncertain about settling workers’ dues before Eid.

He said discussions are ongoing regarding whether factories will be able to pay full May salaries or partial payments ahead of the festival, depending on their company policies.

FP/MI