'Ensure safe workplace for garment workers'

The five-hour hunger strike was observed in Dhaka, Chittagong, Narayanganj, Gazipur and Savar from 11.00am to 4.00pm.

Political leaders, civil society members, academics and lawyers expressed their solidarity with the programme.

Addressing a rally after the hunger strike at Muktangon in the city, the speakers demanded immediate arrest and exemplary punishment to garment owners responsible for the killings.

They also demanded Tk 5 lakh in compensation for family of the each deceased and treatment cost for the injured.

The speakers said the brutal killings of the workers are taking place due to corruption in the labour ministry.

Noted intellectual Prof Serajul Islam Chowdhury said the garment workers are the assets of the country and the government must ensure safe workplace for them.

Demanding immediate arrest and exemplary punishment to garment owners, Dr Kholiquzzaman, president of Bangladesh Economic Association, questioned why the owners remain out of reach of the law enforcement agencies.

General Secretary of Bangladesh Communist Party Mujahidul Islam Selim, SKOP Coordinator Dr Wajedul Islam Khan, General Secretary of Bangladesh Economic Association Dr Abul Barakat, M M Akash of Dhaka University, and Ruhin Hossain Prince of Left Democratic Front also spoke.

Among the garment leaders, Amirul Haque Amin, Md Touhidur Rahman, Ruhul Amin, M Delwar Hossain, Shamima Nasrin, Kazi Md Ali, Selim Reza, Md Abu Taher, Shahidullah Badal and Shafiqul Islam spoke on the occasion.