Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed. File Photo

DHAKA, June 4, 2025 (BSS) – The government has already disbursed TK 651.37 crore aimed at continuing the wheels of productivity in the readymade garment (RMG) sector by dispelling the unrest after August 5, 2024. 

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed made the remarks in his budget speech after unveiling a TK 7, 90,000 crore national budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 on June 2. 

The present government is working for the welfare of the existing workers alongside creating new employment opportunities, he said. 

“To ensure continued productivity by resolving labour unrest in the industrial sector, about TK 651.37 crore has been disbursed to various industries after August 5, 2024,” he said. 

Considering the prevailing high inflation, the annual increment rate of wage has been enhanced from 5 to 9 percent for the industrial sector from December 2024, he stated. 

Minimum wage has been announced in tanneries, soaps and cosmetics, cold storage and tailoring industries, he noted. 

“Over the next three fiscal years, the minimum wage will be set or revised for 15 additional industrial sectors,” he continued.

In addition, initiatives have been taken to establish a platform for coordination of employment opportunities and dissemination of information, he said. 

He went on saying, “Measures are underway to appoint an arbitrator panel and implement its activities in line with the ILO's recommendations to improve labour standards”. 

Strategic and intensive compliance will be ensured by mapping factories, institutions and shops in labour-intensive areas, he mentioned. 

In addition, training and piloting programs will be conducted to modernize the RMG sector matching the need of the fourth industrial revolution, he concluded.