Readers’ Forum

Ensure minimum wage for tea workers

As a nation born out of a struggle against economic and social injustice, we are morally obliged to build a society free of exploitation. Yet, a sizable portion of our population is still being exploited, and tea workers top the list. According to a report by this newspaper, even in 2018, the daily wage of a tea worker is only Tk 85, whereas even a farm worker earns Tk 300 a day. Meanwhile tea garden owners have made millions.
It is high time the government set up a wage board for tea workers and fixed a minimum wage for them. In addition, they should also be provided legal aid.

Tapas Pal
Apprentice Lawyer, Dinajpur Judge Court.

Compensating victims of road accidents

The High Court’s recent verdict asking a private bus owner and BRTC to pay Tk 1 crore as compensation to Russel Sarkar, a victim of a road accident, is a welcome move. Dhaka’s streets have become highly dangerous for commuters and pedestrians alike. Vehicles run by untrained drivers pose a great threat to the public. Therefore, in cases of serious accidents, the vehicle owner, the owner’s association, and the government should be held to account. They should be made to provide the victim(s) fair compensation. In addition, the driver should be duly punished, in accordance with the law.

Ziauddin Ahmed
Dhaka.