Labourers did not get their fair share in country's dev: Debapriya
Labourers have not yet received their rightful share in the development of Bangladesh over the past decade, said Debapriya Bhattacharya, head of the committee for drafting a white paper on the country's economy.
After a meeting with labour leaders today (30 September) in the Planning Commission, Debpriya said labour leaders have pointed out that the wages given to the workers are inadequate.
He also highlighted that the necessary social protections for workers are insufficient, such as housing and maternity leave.
Debapriya, also a distinguished fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) and convenor of the Citizen's Platform for SDGs, further mentioned that necessary measures for workers' welfare, like future funds, have not been properly implemented.
"Although trade unions have the right to advocate for workers' demands, this has not been effectively realised," he said.
There have been no adequate initiatives to reopen factories that have shut down in Bangladesh, he said, adding, "There is a violation in government policy, influenced by vested interests."
In the new economy that is emerging in Bangladesh through artificial intelligence and information technology, there are challenges in realising workers' rights, Debapriya said.
"The inconsistencies between international laws and Bangladesh's labour laws are violating workers' rights. Despite Bangladesh's development, labour leaders have [often] tried to explain why workers have not received their fair share."
He mentioned that the white paper committee consulted some young entrepreneurs on Sunday who expressed their expectations and challenges.
"The first thing we did was clarify any doubts regarding data by speaking with representatives of government agencies. Now, we are having talks with social groups, entrepreneurs, and labour representatives. Next, discussions will be held with foreign investors and development partners. We will also conduct town hall meetings in Chattogram, Rajshahi, and Sylhet, aside from Dhaka. Based on everyone's feedback, we will draft our report."