Wake up BGMEA
The rich members of coddled BGMEA care a hoot for the safety and security of millions of female garment workers (DS, Oct 18), as it never publicises the welfare initiatives. The average salary of Tk 30 per day is too low, bordering on genocide. The association's PR is very poor. Only the owners' problems are publicised. (The cycle rickshaw association is also owner dominated.)
The government may sit down with BGMEA and ADAB/NGOs and formulate some measures for the welfare of the workers such as security, medical and daycare centres, overtime payment, etc.
The BGMEA can easily earmark half a percent of its gross earnings (over $2 billion) for welfare. Inhuman working conditions should not be allowed by the government, not to speak of the foreigners, who stopped child labour. Discourage employers who behave as sharks. Workers have human dignity and some basic rights. Can we have a public clarification from BGMEA on its labour welfare policies?
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