The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Speakers at roundtable yesterday only friendly environment, rational wage structure and good sanitation facilities at workplace could ensure health security to the workers.

Right to trade union is a another pre-requisite for preserving the rights of the workers, they noted.

The roundtable was jointly organised by the Jatiya Shaista Odhikar Andolon, Bangladesh Paribash Andolon (BAPA) and Physician for Social Reception ( PSR ) at the National Press Club.

Prof Muzaffer Ahmed, TIB Chairman, Anwarul Alam Chowdhury Parvez, President of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Prof Dr Iqbal Arsenal, Dean of the Bangabandu Medical University, Mili Rahman, wife of Birshreshta Matiur Rahman, Prof Rahid-E-Mahbub, Dr Wazadul Islam Khan, Shirin Aktar, chief of Karmajibi Nari, Dr Mostak Hossain and worker Farzana, among other, addressed the roundtable. It was chaired by Kamrul Hasan, President of PSR.

Nasreen Bina Shikdar presented the keynote paper.

The Participants also called for introducing rationing system, establishment of standard hospitals in the industrial areas, cooperative society, separate toilet and washroom for the female labourers at work places.

Adequate space, water and air and light are also needed to make the workplace worker friendly, they said.

BGMEA president Anwar-ul-Alam Chowdhury Parvez said BGMEA has been providing free health service to the garment workers through its 10 health centres in Dhaka and Chittagong.

About 8 lakh and 48 thousands workers have so far taken healthcare services from these health centres he added.

He further said that the garment factory is now being established out of the Dhaka city in view of congestion in the capital. He called upon the government to provide gas and electricity to the garment factories outside the capital.