Dhaka, May 22 -- Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr M Sakhawat Hossain, Adviser to the Ministries of Labour and Employment and Shipping, on Wednesday warned that owners of TNZ Ltd, Mahmud Group, and other firms with outstanding wage arrears have been given a strict deadline of 28 May to settle all dues, or risk arrest.

Speaking after a meeting at the Ministry of Shipping's conference room in the Secretariat, Dr Sakhawat said, "You must either pay the wages owed or face imprisonment."

The meeting, held to discuss preparations for the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha, also addressed naval transport safety and passenger security during the holiday rush.

Dr Sakhawat emphasised that all wage payments must be completed by 28 May, adding that legal action will...