NASA Group has decided to pay its workers’ outstanding wages and other dues from the funds currently deposited in various banks under the company’s name.
This decision came during a multi-party meeting held on Tuesday morning at the Ministry of Labour and Employment in the Secretariat.
The meeting was attended by officials from the Labour Ministry, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), workers’ representatives, NASA Group representatives, and officials from different banks.
After the meeting, Labour Secretary Md Sanwar Jahan Bhuiyan said, “On 23 September, a tripartite agreement was signed with representatives from workers, employers, and various government agencies to resolve the existing issues of NASA Group.
“As per the agreement, the group will pay the outstanding dues of its workers.”
The meeting decided that the management of NASA Group will collect funds for settling workers’ dues as quickly as possible. The company will ensure that all workers’ dues are paid through mobile banking.
For workers without Mobile Financial Services (MFS) accounts, a detailed list of their names must be compiled, and arrangements for account openings will be made by October 10.
Moreover, discussions will be held with Bangladesh Bank and the Financial Institutions Division to release around Tk 24 crore deposited in EXIM Bank under NASA Group.
Similarly, 1% down payment will be deducted from the Tk 2.18 crore in Islami Bank and Tk 4.26 crore in South Bangla Agriculture and Commerce Bank, and the remaining amount will be released via Bangladesh Bank to clear workers’ dues.
Last year, after the fall of the Awami regime on 5 August, NASA Group and EXIM Bank ex-chairman Nazrul Islam Mazumder went into hiding. He was arrested on 2 October on charges of corruption and embezzlement.
Since his arrest, instability has plagued NASA Group, which owns 34 factories with over 30,000 workers. As a result, workers’ salaries have been in arrears, leading to protests and road blockades.
Last week, in a tripartite meeting held at the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments, 16 factories of NASA Group were shut down. It was announced that operations would be halted from 25 September due to power and gas shortages and lack of purchase orders.
Concerns arose over how the workers’ wages would be paid following the closure of these factories, prompting the government to step in and make a clear decision regarding wage payments.
According to the decision from Tuesday’s meeting, NASA Group authorities will need to obtain a power of attorney from Nazrul Islam Mazumder, who is currently in prison. The government will ensure the presence of a judicial magistrate or executive magistrate when signing this document.
Additionally, as part of the agreement to settle workers’ dues, a video message will be broadcast to workers, affirming the group’s commitment.
