Dhaka, March 12 -- Some 52.60 per cent or 5,313 industrial units, including readymade garment factories, across the country under the jurisdiction of Industrial Police (IP) did not pay wages for the month of February until Wednesday in defiance of the government instruction.

Moreover, some 263 factories, including 139 textile and garment units, are yet to pay wages for the month of January, according to IP data.

Earlier on March 03, labour and employment minister Ariful Hoque Chowdhury instructed owners of all factories to pay wages for February to workers within the seven working days of March (March 09) and to disburse festival allowances by March 12.

Factory authorities have also been asked to pay half of the March wages in advance,...