Shop employees threaten countrywide retail shutdown if Eid bonus not paid

The National Shop Employees Federation on Thursday warned that over 60 lakh shop employees across the country will enforce a nationwide closure of shops and shopping malls ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, if they are not paid Eid bonuses.

The ultimatum came at a press conference organised by the federation at the Jatiya Press Club in the capital.

Speaking at the event, its General Secretary Md Rafiqul Islam said there are over 60 lakh employees working in 10 retail sub-sectors including shops, shopping malls, chain stores, departmental stores, retail outlets, wholesale markets, electronics shops, salons, beauty parlours, and pharmacies.

These workers provide continuous services to the public sacrificing their comfort and leisure, but are being denied not just of their basic needs, but also their lawful rights, he said.

“According to labour laws, all workers and employees are entitled to two Eid bonuses annually, each equal to one month’s basic salary. But this provision is not being implemented for the country’s shop workers,” he added.

The speakers said most workers do not receive appointment letters despite legal requirements and workers often have to work 10–14 hours a day. And yet, they are not paid any overtime allowance beyond the legal 8 hours, he alleged.

Among others, central federation leaders Hazrat Ali Molla, Abu Bakkar Siddique, Abdus Salam, Paresh Majumder, Fazlul Haque, Babul Bepari, Didar Hossain, Khalilur Rahman, Suraiya Jesmin Ruma, Aleya Begum, Md Zahid Hossain, and Tanzina Akter were present at the press conference.