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The National Shop Employees Federation on Thursday warned that over 6.0 million shop employees across the country will enforce a nationwide closure of shops and shopping malls ahead of Eid-ul-Azha if they are not paid Eid bonuses.
The ultimatum came at a press conference, organised by the federation at the Jatiya Press Club in the capital, according to UNB.
Speaking at the event, its General Secretary Md Rafiqul Islam, said there are over 6.0 million employees working in 10 sectors, including shops, shopping malls, chain stores, departmental stores, retail outlets, wholesale markets, electronics shops, salons, beauty parlours, and pharmacies.
These workers provide continuous services to the public, but these people who sacrifice their comfort and leisure are being denied not just their basic needs, but also their lawful rights, he said.
"According to labour laws, all workers and employees are entitled to two Eid bonuses annually, each equal to one month's basic salary. But this provision is not being implemented for the country's shop workers," he added.
The speakers said most workers do not receive appointment letters despite legal requirements, and workers often have to work 10-14 hours a day, yet they are not paid any overtime allowance beyond the legal eight hours.
Among others, central federation leaders Hazrat Ali Molla, Abu Bakkar Siddique, Abdus Salam, Paresh Majumder, Fazlul Haque, Babul Bepari, Didar Hossain, Khalilur Rahman, Suraiya Jesmin Ruma, Aleya Begum, Md Zahid Hossain, and Tanzina Akter were present at the press conference.