Economy surviving on garment industry despite rampant corruption: Adviser Asif
The economy continues to rely heavily on the garment industry, despite widespread corruption and looting, Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan said today (16 October).
"We have taken on this responsibility but we are constantly facing various challenges," said the adviser today (16 October) at a programme of the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) to sell goods at fair prices to garment workers.
"External forces are involved in the labour unrest. Those responsible will be brought to justice," said the adviser to the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
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."
He also said among the workers' demands, 18 justified ones have already been accepted, and the government is working to implement them.
"Over a hundred workers lost their lives during student and public protests, which is why workers' concerns always take priority," said the adviser.
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."
During the event, TCB products were distributed to 1,000 workers at the Jaber & Zubair Fabrics Limited factory in Palghar, Tongi in Gazipur.
In subsequent phases, the programme will be extended to 13,000 workers.