Staff Reporter :
Labour leaders, entrepreneurs, and economists joined forces on Saturday to demand support for low-income garment workers struggling with high inflation.
The discussion, organised by the Bangladesh Textile-Garments Workers Federation at Dhaka Reporters Unity, highlighted the urgent need for government intervention.
Speakers in the discussion called for the introduction of a rationing system in industrial zones to provide essential commodities like rice, lentils, and edible oil at affordable prices. This measure, they argued, would be a lifeline for workers facing the harsh realities of inflation, even after the recent wage increase.
BKMEA Executive President Mohammad Hatem emphasised the plight of workers, stating, “Inflation has continued to erode the livelihoods of workers despite the new wage structure.”
He urged the government to allocate funds for establishing ration shops within industrial zones, particularly in Ready-Made Garments (RMG) hubs.
Hatem further stressed the need for improved healthcare access for garment workers. He called for the establishment of at least two hospitals specifically catering to workers in industrial zones like Panchabati (Narayanganj) and Ashulia.
BGMEA Vice President (Finance), Md. Nasir Uddin, echoed these sentiments, underscoring the importance of allocating sufficient resources for workers from tax revenue. “The current inflation has severely impacted these individuals,” he said. “A well-managed rationing system would ensure fair distribution of essential commodities at affordable prices.”
Md. Nasir Uddin of BGMEA elaborated on existing efforts, citing factory-run fair-priced shops that offer essential goods at 30 percent below market rates. “The government’s support in strengthening such initiatives would be beneficial,” he suggested.
Dr. Khondaker Moazzem Hossain, CPD Research Director, pointed to the ruling party’s commitment to worker well-being as outlined by ILO regulations. He urged the government to translate this commitment into action by allocating specific budgetary funds to address worker issues. Shahjan Khan, a former minister and labour leader, emphasised the need for a comprehensive approach. “Creating a work environment that prioritises worker well-being is crucial for the long-term sustainability of our industries,” he said.
He placed equal emphasis on the responsibility of entrepreneurs to ensure worker welfare.
Joly Talukder, General Secretary of the Bangladesh Garment Workers Trade Union Centre, shed light on the economic disparity. He argued that current wages fail to meet the needs of workers’ families, highlighting the gap between worker contributions to the economy and their ability to afford basic necessities. To bridge this gap, he called for the introduction of a dearness allowance to supplement the recently implemented wage structure.
While some proposals focused on immediate relief, others addressed long-term solutions. Sultan Uddin Ahmed, Executive Director of the Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies (BILS), strongly advocated for a rationing system to address the immediate crisis of rising essential commodity prices.
Sultan emphasised the need for political commitment to implement such a programme and proposed a funding mechanism that utilises a portion of taxes paid by both factory owners and workers.
Sultana Akhter, President of the Green Bangla Garments Workers Federation, shifted the focus to long-term security. She called for the allocation of funds to establish a dedicated pension scheme for garment workers, ensuring their well-being beyond their working years.
Kazi Rahima Shathi, General Secretary of the Bangladesh Awami Mohila Sramik League, echoed the concerns about worker struggles. She urged for immediate government action to provide financial relief in the face of rising commodity prices.