Terming workers' role essential for productivity in the RMG sector, speakers at an event called for improving the condition of workers for the sake of increased productivity in garment sector.
Environment pollution is a rising problem in labour intensive industry; they made the remarks while addressing a conference with stakeholders titled 'Strengthening Due Diligence Implementation in the Textile Sector in Bangladesh' at CIRDAP auditorium in the capital.
Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies (BILS) and Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO) jointly organized the event on Wednesday.
The event was moderated by BILS Director Nazma Yesmin. Ready-Made Garment sector, is contributing significantly to the country's national GDP and national earnings. In 2022-23 fiscal years, Bangladesh earned 46.99 billion dollars only by exporting RMG products.
Despite its global reputation, the sector continues to face serious challenges such as weak enforcement of labour rights and environmental standards, speakers said.
Ashulia, a major RMG industrial hub exemplifies the challenges with growing concerns around workplace safety, toxic waste, and limited trade union capacity. Hence, it is crucial for all stakeholders to collaborate and address the issues comprehensively, they said.
There are about 1100 RMG factories in Ashulia where workers of 75 percent factories live. Sound pollution, health risks, low quality of living, lack of pure drinking water as well as adequate sanitation facility created negative impact on the lives of the workers.
Labour rights, lack of safety at workplace, and environment pollution are the problems being faced by the workers. If they remain unhealthy, they cannot contribute to productivity, they added.
Prof. Abdus Samad of the Chemistry Department of Jagannath University, called for ensuring the supply of pure drinking water along with checking environmental pollution in the area.
Towhidur Rahman, President of IndustriALL Bangladesh Council, said environmental pollution is hampering the rights of RMG workers.
Naimul Ahsan Jewel, joint convener of Sramik Karmachari Oikya Parishad (SKOP), opined for making relevant laws and policies functional, calling on all concerned to work together in this regard.
Mahfuzur Rahman Bhuiyan, joint inspector general of the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE), said mills and factories will not sustain without the workers. So, steps should be taken for their overall welfare.
While presiding over the event, Dr. Mahfuzul Haque, advisory member of BILS, called upon all concerned to work together for the strict enforcement of relevant laws for checking environmental pollution. It is impossible to achieve it without the combined efforts of all concerned, he said.
Officials of different ministries, government departments, Trade Union leaders, ILO, BGMEA, BEF, Community people of Ashulia, and representatives of civil society organizations attended the event.
