Economy surviving on RMG despite rampant corruption: Adviser Asif
The ready-made garment (RMG) industry has kept the country's economy alive, despite widespread corruption and looting, said Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan.
He made the remarks while speaking at a programme of the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) to sell essential goods at fair prices to garment workers. The programme was held at Zaber & Zubair Fabrics Limited in Gazipur today.
Mentioning that the economy continues to rely heavily on the garment industry, Asif said "People have approached us with 16 years of pent-up grievances. Among the workers' demands, 18 justified ones have already been accepted, and the government is working to implement them."
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He said, "We have taken on this responsibility but we are constantly facing various challenges. External forces are involved in the labour unrest and have tried to exploit the situation. Those responsible will be brought to justice.".
"The hardworking masses will be the first beneficiaries of the freedom gained through bloodshed," the adviser said, adding, "Over a hundred workers lost their lives during student and public protests, which is why workers' concerns always take priority."
He further said, "Today marks the beginning of the fair-priced goods distribution for the labourers. We hope to gradually expand this initiative to all labour regions across the country."
Addressing the issue of pensions for garment workers, Asif Mahmud said, "Garment workers do not have a pension system. I have a vision to introduce a pension system for garment workers, similar to that of other professionals. I expect full cooperation from factory owners in this regard."
BGMEA President Khandaker Rafiqul Islam said with commodity prices on the rise, this TCB programme would help reduce the cost of living for workers. He also urged factories to utilise the Workers' Welfare Fund for the betterment of their employees.
ASM Rafiqul Islam Noman, chairman and MD of Zaber & Zubair Fabrics Limited, delivered the welcome speech at the event, with additional speeches from Brigadier General Md Mostafa Iqbal, TCB chairman, and Gazipur's Deputy Commissioner Nafisa Arefin.
Meanwhile, at the programme, Labour and Employment Secretary HM Shafiquzzaman has warned that no one will be spared if there is any attempt to destabilise the ready-made garment sector.
He said, "If any factory owner commits wrongdoing, we will not allow them to walk free. At the same time, those who take to the streets and engage in vandalism of factories will not be spared either."
He also said, "Those who vandalise factories cannot be considered workers."
Commerce Secretary Md Salim Uddin said, "If production is disrupted, workers will suffer the most."
"...and if you continue to create unrest, other countries [foreign competitors] will be benefitted," he added.
He urged patience from everyone, adding that the newly formed government faces high expectations, and all demands cannot be addressed simultaneously.
