Ensure safe workplace for garment workers

Bangladesh Sangjukta Garments Federation took out a procession in the city yesterday to commemorate the first anniversary of Spectrum Sweater Industry tragedy, which left 65 workers dead and 85 others injured. PHOTO: STAR

Carrying red flags, banners and posters, several hundred garment workers observed the token hunger strike at the Central Shaheed Minar from 4:15pm to 5:45pm on Tuesday commemorating the tragic accident in which 65 workers were killed and 85 others injured when the building of Spectrum Apparels collapsed on April 11, 2005.

National Garment Workers Federation organised the programme to observe the day as 'Health and Security Day for Garment Workers'.

Speakers at the programme called for setting up of garment factories following the building code to ensure safe workplace.

They called upon the government, Bangladesh Garment Manufactures and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and factory owners to arrange emergency exit and take fire safety measures at all garment factories keeping the main gate open during the working hours.

The speakers also demanded death penalty for the owners of the Spectrum saying their indifference was responsible for the tragic accident.

Federation General Secretary Aminul Haque Amin said a total of 425 workers were killed and 2399 others injured in 24 accidents in last 15 years.

Presided over by Federation President Shahida Sarker, the programme was addressed by Workers' Party President Rashed Khan Menon, Communist Party of Bangladesh President Manjurul Ahsan Khan, Sramik Karmochari Oikya Parishad leaders Abul Bashar, Shafiqur Rahman and Roy Romesh Chandra, Dhaka University Teachers' Association General Secretary Prof Dr Akhtaruzzaman, Bangladesh Supreme Court Bar Association General Secretary Advocate AM Amin Uddin, Dhaka Metropolitan Bar Association President Advocate Abed Raja and Sammilita Nari Samaj Leader Rokeya Rafiq Baby.

Bangladesh National Council (BNC) of Textile, Garment and Leather Workers held a rally at Muktangon in the city yesterday to observe the day as 'Safe Workplace Day'.

At the rally, BNC leaders put forward an 11-point proposal to the government to ensure safety of workers at workplaces.

The proposals include observing April 11 as Safe Workplace Day every year, ensuring full implementation of industrial and labour law, declaring minimum wage at Tk 3000, immediate arrangement of emergency exits and fire safety measures at all garment factories, ensuring building code, regular factory inspection, keeping the main gate open during working hours and formation of national workers' compensation commission.

After the rally, a procession was brought out that marched different city streets.

Bangladesh Poshak Shilpa Sramik Federation organised a discussion at its Mirpur office on April 11 to mark the day.