Payment of Beximco workers’ dues to begin 9 March

Disbursement of the dues of the workers of 14 closed industrial units under Beximco Industrial Park will begin on 9 March.

Labour and Employment Adviser Brig Gen (Retd) M Sakhawat Hossain revealed this information on Thursday.

After attending a meeting of the Advisory Council Committee on Labour and Business Situation at Beximco Industrial Park, the adviser assured that neither he nor the authorities were against the workers.

“We never wanted any worker to lose their job, and we still don’t. Even in the future, we won’t wish for it,” he added.

About financial challenges, the adviser said "no bank was willing to provide funds. All the banks have declined, saying they can no longer provide support. However, we have managed to arrange the required amount. InshaAllah, payments will begin on March 9, and all dues will be cleared before mid-Ramadan,” he added.

He said Beximco Industrial Park will require Tk525.46 crore to clear the outstanding payments of employees from 14 closed industrial units.

Out of the total amount, Tk 325.46 crore will come from the finance division, while the labour ministry will provide Tk 200 crore as a loan. The Bangladesh Bank will replace the funds when necessary.

A committee has also been formed to determine the next steps regarding the closed units. The committee will be led by Lutfey Siddique, the Chief Adviser’s Special Envoy on International Affairs, who holds the rank of an adviser.

Urging workers to remain calm, Sakhawat Hossain said, “Please do not take any protest programme that would force us to adopt stricter measures. We do not want to be tough on anyone. I also request the workers to understand the situation. You are all patriots. I have met many of you, and I will reach out to others at the appropriate time. Please do not create or allow any situation that could lead to further problems.”

Earlier, on 12 February the adviser said that the government would pay outstanding dues of Beximco Industrial Parks’ workers before Ramadan.