Experts called for political commitment to ensure workplace safety, emphasising its inclusion in party manifestos for the upcoming national election.Â
They urged the government to ensure safe and decent working conditions for everyone, while also strengthening chemical and fire safety measures and guaranteeing prompt investigations and justice for all workplace accidents.
They made these comments at a press conference at Tafazzal Hossain Manik Mia hall of the National Press Club in the capital on Thursday.
The Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies and Sramik Nirapotta Forum organised the press conference and presented 12-point recommendations, including a proposal to ensure strict implementation of national and international regulations related to health and safety at work and storage of chemicals and explosives and the government’s zero tolerance in legal matters.
They demanded compensation for affected workers, rehabilitation, formation of safety committees, law amendments and implementation of Labour Reform Commission’s recommendations.
At the press conference, Farah Kabir, country director of Action Aid Bangladesh, said, ‘Safe employment and inspection reports in factories are essential. In this regard, labour organisations, lawyers and media workers must also play a conscious role. There must be a safety cell on every factory floor.’
In his speech, Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmed, executive director of BILS and head of the Labour Reform Commission, emphasised the need for political will and effective legal implementation to ensure worker safety.
Sanjida Sultana, additional executive director of Karmojibi Nari, said, ‘Chemical warehouses should be located outside Dhaka and the authorities cannot avoid responsibility in this regard.’
Naimul Ahsan Jewel from Garments Workers Unity Council said, ‘In 2024, over 220 workers died from heatstroke. An investigation cell should be established to review factory practices.’Â
In a written statement, Sramik Nirapotta Forum demanded guarantee of fair compensation and rehabilitation for injured and deceased workers.
The forum leaders called for strict enforcement of national and international laws on workplace safety and chemical storage.
They also sought amendments to relevant laws, including the Labour Act, Explosives Act, Boiler Act and Environment Act, in line with international standards.
They called for enhanced compensation, treatment and rehabilitation for victims and families in line with ILO Convention 121, including lifetime income-equivalent compensation.
The forum welcomed the government’s recent decision to ratify ILO Convention 190 and ILO Conventions 155 and 187 and demanded its effective implementation with legal and institutional reform.
Abdul Kader Howlader, joint coordinator of Sramik Karmachari Oikya Parishad, Qutubuddin Ahmed, president of Industrial Bangladesh Council, Barkat Ali, director of Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust, and AKM Nasim, member of Labour Reform Commission, among others, attended the event.
