The New Nation - Internet Edition

Chittagong Correspondent

Adviser for LGRD, Labour and Employment affairs to the caretaker government Mohammed Anwarul Iqbal pledged here on Saturday that the Dhaka-Chittagong highway would soon be made four-lane for faster communication between the cities.

"Faster and smoother communication is the pre-requisite of rapid socio-economic growth," the adviser said adding that the proposal in this regard had been approved and physical work of the project would take place soon.

The adviser was addressing the concluding ceremony of 6th 'Chittagong Apparel Fabrics & Accessories Exposition (CAFAXPO) at the premises of Institute of Engineers, Chittagong as the chief guest.

Commerce Secretary Feroz Ahmed addressed it as special guest while acting Mayor of Chittagong City Corporation Alhaj M Monjur Alam joined it as the guest of honour. President of the BGMEA and Chairman of Management Committee, CAFAXPO-08 Anwar-Ul-Alam Chowdhury presided over the function. First Vice President of the BGMEA MA Salam and second Vice President Faisal Samad also addressed it.

The LGRD adviser urged the garments owners to ensure friendly environment in the garments sector at any cost for boosting its image both at home and abroad.

Considering the garments sector as driving force of the national economy, the adviser said that the gap between the owners and workers should be minimized for the betterment of the sector.

"Crisis will never be solved if the relation between workers and owners can not be improved," the adviser claimed.

Mentioning the proposal of BGMEA President, the adviser urged the BGMEA leaders to take dealership and he would manage rice with affordable cost for them so that the rice can be distributed among the workers of garments sector.

"The government has continuously been struggling to bring discipline in all sectors and the government scrapped unnecessary trade bodies in Chittagong port and only one trade body is now operating," the adviser said describing the significant development of premier seaport.

He mentioned that there is no domestic gas connection in many neighboring countries but it is available in the country which will be reconsidered.

He urged the BGMEA leaders to ensure minimum wage for the garments workers in the truest sense. He said that the concerned ministry would check the fact regarding the maintenance of minimum wage structure.