Bangladesh Garment Sramik Samhati president Taslima Akhter said that workers across different sectors of the country need a standard working environment free from all fears.
She also focused on the struggles endured during the past regime and the visible improvements in labour conditions under the interim government, along with the persistent challenges in the sector.
In an interview with The 抖阴精品 on the occasion of May Day, she said that under the 16 years of fascist rule, there was no democratic practice in the labour sector, and workers were deprived of the right to voice their demands.
However, following the ousting of fascist rule through a mass uprising, workers have been able to raise their voices, marking a visible improvement.
She also said that eight months is a short time for any significant change, and it鈥檚 not possible to reach a final conclusion so early.
However, visible improvements 鈥� such as workers鈥� regaining their right to speak, forming the Labour Reform Commission, and initiating labour law reforms 鈥� have taken place during that time.
鈥楳any of the demands have already been reflected in the report by the Labour Reform Commission. If the implementation of labour reforms is successful, we can evaluate the extent of improvement in the situation, including fair wages and democratic rights,鈥� she added.
Taslima Akhter also said that incidents such as Rana Plaza, Tazreen Fashion, and Spectrum highlighted the country鈥簊 weak safety measures for workers.
鈥楢lthough safety measures have improved significantly since the Rana Plaza tragedy, the lack of punishment for the perpetrators means the risk of such incidents remains, as seen in the Hashem Foods fire recently,鈥� she added.
She urged the government to complete the justice process for the perpetrators of major workplace accidents within a reasonable time frame.
She also said that labour laws must be made more worker-friendly to improve the labour environment to an international standard.
Moreover, key conditions for meeting international standards include ensuring the freedom of trade unions, the right of workers to voice their concerns, adequate maternity leave, and a work environment free from sexual harassment.
Against the backdrop of the collapse of the fascist regime, she emphasised the urgency of enhancing the work environment and enacting a non-discriminatory labour law to protect the rights and welfare of workers.