The interim government has decided to initiate legal proceedings against at least 10 industrial firms, including the Beximco Group, for failing to repay more than Tk700 crore in interest-free loans provided to clear workers’ wage arrears.
According to official sources, the loans were disbursed to prevent labour unrest following widespread wage defaults after August last year. However, none of the recipient companies has repaid the funds within the agreed timeframe.
The government has set 31 December 2025 as the final deadline for loan repayment. Factory owners who fail to comply will face legal action, along with strict enforcement measures such as foreign travel bans, passport confiscation of owners and board members, and asset recovery through the sale of land, factories and machinery.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the Adviser Council Committee on labour and business conditions held at Beximco Industrial Park on 8 December, according to meeting minutes.
Official records show that Tk701.6 crore was disbursed to 10 industrial groups under a six-month repayment condition. Of the total amount, the labour ministry provided Tk76.15 crore, while the finance division contributed Tk625.46 crore.
Beximco Largest Defaulter
Beximco Group received the largest share of the loans, amounting to nearly Tk585 crore in two phases. Despite multiple repayment deadlines expiring in May and September, the group has not returned any funds.
Other loan recipients include Bards Group, TNZ Group, Yellow Apparels Limited, Dard Group, Niagara Textiles Limited, Roar Fashion Limited, Mahmud Jeans Ltd, and Apparel Chain BD Limited. None of these companies has repaid the loans despite the lapse of their respective deadlines.
A senior finance ministry official said the loans were issued as an emergency measure to maintain industrial stability, but recovery efforts stalled as many factories remained shut.
Fresh Labour Unrest Concerns
The labour ministry has also expressed concern over potential fresh labour unrest, as several other factories are currently struggling to pay wages and benefits. These include BHIS Apparels Limited, Seasons Dresses Limited, and Paradise Cables Limited, which collectively owe workers more than Tk27 crore.
To address the situation, the labour adviser has instructed officials to form a technical committee to develop a comprehensive plan to settle outstanding dues and prevent further unrest in the industrial sector.
Source: TBS
