'Phased vacation' for RMG units

The government has asked garment factory owners to let workers go on Puja and Eid vacations ‘in phases’ to lessen traffic during the huge rush back home for the festivals.

“We have spoken to BGMEA and BKMEA,” said State Minister for Home Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal after a meeting on Thursday.

“We’ve told them to let the workers go on leave in phases during the four days between Sept 29 and Oct 2.”

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Khan said he also reminded the garment and knit factory owners to clear workers’ salaries and bonus before they go on leave.

“The traffic will be significantly reduced if they enjoy vacation by turns.”

Several leaders of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) were present in the meeting at the Home Ministry on Thursday.

“Their leadership have promised us that there will be no issue with Eid and Puja vacations, bonus and also salaries,” said the junior minister.

The government, he said, has taken all necessary measures to ensure that people can travel home safely for these two major festivals.

“There is usually a rush to return home. But I hope it will be tolerable this time,” said Khan.

Inspector General of Police Hassan Mahmood Khandker, Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Benazir Ahmed, representatives of intelligence agencies and labour organisations were present in the meeting.