Staff Reporter :
A significant breakthrough has been reached regarding the long-standing wage disputes at NASA Group factories, as a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed to ensure workers receive their outstanding dues.
The agreement came during a tripartite meeting yesterday between workers’ representatives, factory authorities, and the government, held at the Department of Factories and Establishments Inspection’s conference room at the Labor Building in Dhaka.
According to the MoU, NASA Group will clear the outstanding wages and allowances for August by October 15, followed by the September dues on October 30. In addition, workers will receive compensation in line with the Bangladesh Labor Act, which includes 30 days of basic wages for every full year of service and maternity leave benefits where applicable.
All legal dues are to be settled by November 30. Importantly, the agreement also states that no worker will be blacklisted in any online or database records, ensuring their future employment prospects remain unaffected.
This decision follows the 13th meeting of the Advisory Council Committee on Labor and Business Situations at Beximco Industrial Park, chaired by Labor, Employment, and Shipping Advisor Brigadier General (Retd.) M Sakhawat Hossain on September 16.
Yesterday’s follow-up meeting, chaired by the Additional Inspector General (Joint Secretary) of the Department of Factories and Establishments Inspection, specifically focused on resolving growing worker dissatisfaction at NASA Group.
The MoU was jointly signed by representatives of the workers, factory authorities, the government, and the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).
Also present at the meeting were senior officials of the Department of Factories and Establishments Inspection, representatives from the Bangladesh Army and Industrial Police, intelligence agencies, BGMEA Vice President, NASA Group officials, and worker leaders.
Officials present expressed hope that this agreement would not only restore stability within NASA Group factories but also serve as a model for resolving labor disputes in the readymade garment sector through dialogue and cooperation.
The resolution comes at a critical time for the industry, which remains the backbone of Bangladesh’s export earnings and a major source of livelihood for millions of workers.
