Labour Advisor M Sakhawat Hussain has issued a sharp warning to Premier Bank, accusing it of withholding incentive funds meant for workers’ wages and using them to adjust outstanding loans.

Speaking at the Secretariat on Thursday, Sakhawat demanded the immediate release of the funds which Bangladesh Bank allocated to ensure timely wage payments ahead of Eid.

“The incentive money has been provided by Bangladesh Bank. There is no provision to adjust loans with these funds,” he stated, directing his warning at the bank’s managing director.

The dispute involves funds allocated to TNZ Group’s Apparel Eco factory. Sakhawat warned that failure to release the money would be seen as an act against the state.

He also addressed concerns over unpaid wages in five factories, confirming that all but one had now cleared salaries. Roar Fashion remains an exception, as its owner, Saifuzzaman Shekhar—a former MP—has reportedly gone into hiding.

In response, the Labour Ministry has allocated Tk 12.3 million from its Central Fund to assist affected workers. Sakhawat urged authorities to issue an arrest warrant for Shekhar.

Meanwhile, TNZ Group’s owner has resorted to selling personal assets to cover salaries, while Bangladesh Bank has released Tk 110 million for Mahmud Group workers. Settlements have also been reached at Stylecraft and Youngones Limited.

Sakhawat described Eid’s wage disbursement situation as improved compared to previous years.