Addressing RMG workers' grievances

Since the beginning of this month, workers from the readymade garments sector have been taking to the streets near Ashulia, Savar, Bhashantek and Airport Road. They are demanding removal of the disparity in the minimum wage structure.

Almost every weekday, they have clashed with the police. At least a hundred people have been injured since then along with the death of one worker. The protests by workers have been creating traffic chaos across Dhaka on a daily basis. This is causing sufferings to city-dwellers.

This must stop. The RMG sector workers need to understand that violence and unrest are not going to lead to a solution. For the sake of the industry, which earns the highest foreign currency through exports, a sustainable solution is needed for the sector.

News of unrest and workers' injuries and deaths spreads easily in Western countries. Most of these have buyers who are sourcing apparel and knitwear items from Bangladesh. Workers should not forget that the RMG sector of Bangladesh contributes to nearly 14 per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP) of the country and by accounting for 81 per cent of total export earnings.

I hope that all stakeholders will sit together, discuss and resolve the problem.

Farhan,

Mahakhali, Dhaka