The government has assured that all outstanding dues of Beximco Industrial Parks’ workers will be cleared within February, ahead of the upcoming Ramadan, according to Labour and Employment Adviser Brig Gen (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting on the current situation of Beximco industries at the Secretariat yesterday (February 12), Sakhawat Hossain confirmed that financial arrangements are being finalised to settle payments.
“Workers of Beximco Apparel were initially laid off and it was later shut down. We had assured that all outstanding dues from the closure would be paid within this month. The necessary financial arrangements are being made,” he said, reports UNB.
He added that a newly appointed administrator is currently calculating the exact amount due. A follow-up meeting is scheduled for February 18, which is expected to be the final discussion on the matter.
The managing directors of all banks involved will also attend the next meeting to determine the sources of funds, he stated.
Once funds are arranged, the payments will be directly transferred to the accounts of the respective employees within this month, he assured.
The adviser noted that more than 27,000 workers from Beximco’s industrial units are awaiting their dues.
“Each worker will receive what they are owed, but the total amount is still being determined,” he said, adding that the new administrator, who took office on February 5, has been given until February 18 to complete the process.
When asked whether the payments would come from government funds or share sales, Sakhawat Hossain said that the decision will be finalised by February 18.
“There are multiple possibilities—it could come from the Finance Division, or from share sales if the existing complications are resolved. Whether it will be through share sales or asset liquidation will be decided on that day,” he explained.
Addressing concerns over the workers’ future employment, the adviser expressed confidence that they will not remain jobless for long.
“There is currently a 5% to 7% workforce shortage in the garment sector. We cannot let such a large number of skilled workers remain unemployed,” he said.
He added that efforts are underway to find alternative employment opportunities for the affected workers, with the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and Export Processing Zones (EPZs) actively involved in the process.
Bd-Pratidin English/ARK
