Rights of workers

A well-paid work force helps a vibrant economy to grow. A large number of our entrepreneurs prefer to accumulate wealth, denying the rightful demands of the workforce. This mentality needs to be changed to ensure a social balance.

I have been following the recent labour unrest in the DEPZ . To me, the whole thing seemed to have erupted all of a sudden. I don't remember seeing any coverage of worker discontent in the EPZs in the news media prior to the violent demonstrations, which took place recently.

The coverage began only after workers' frustration manifested into violence and the usual burn and pillage mindset. I guess this is somewhat normal in my country as muscle power does attain outcomes which normal peaceful dissent fails to deliver.

It is every worker's right to demand better working conditions and remuneration for the work that they do but they must express this right in a peaceful and civilised manner. This can only happen if the management of the various DEPZ member companies empower the employees to express their views and demands in a systematic way and are willing to negotiate with workers' representatives in good faith.

The government has the responsibility of appointing capable personnel at the top tier of BOI (Board of Investment) and BEPZA, who are able to mediate with the employers and employees. Political appointments by the AL or the BNP will only ensure repetition of violent agitation in the future, which most definitely will discourage foreign investors from setting up shops in Bangladesh.

FDI is a major contributor to the future growth of a country like Bangladesh and many other countries are competing with us for this investment, with some having better safeguards against the violence we have seen in DEPZ in recent days.

I believe the policymakers do follow the news stories in various media and are very sensitive to negative publicity. Therefore the news media has the responsibility to print and air articles and stories about issues which affect the lives of workers at the very bottom of the corporate hierarchy. This will reassure the worker that their voice is being heard and will also alert the company management into having better dialogue with the workers.

So we don't have to see employees burning factories, which provide their livelihood.

Mohammed Mannan London, UK