Set up breastfeeding corner at all factories: High Court

The High Court today ordered the authorities concerned to set up breastfeeding corners at all factories, including readymade garments, across the county within next two months.

A High court bench of Justice M Enaytur Rahim and Justice Md Mostafizur Rahman asked secretary of Labour and Employment Ministry and chairman of Labour Directorate to submit a report within 60 days after complying with the order.

According to the Section 94 (7) of Bangladesh Labour Act 2006, "Such rooms shall be adequately furnished and equipped and in particular there shall be one suitable cot or cradle with necessary bedding for each child, at least one chair or equivalent seating accommodation for the use of each mother while she is feeding or attending to her child and a sufficient supply of suitable toys for the older children.

Lawyer Ishrat Hasan said, the law was enacted in 2006, but the part of setting up breastfeeding corners was not implemented till date. So the court has issued the order.

Earlier on October 27 last year, the High Court issued a rule asking the government to explain within four weeks why it should not be directed to take necessary steps to set up breastfeeding and baby care corners at all workplaces, shopping malls, airports, bus stops and railway stations across the country.