Labourers include individuals engaged in various occupations, such as car driving for an employer, rickshaw pulling on monthly contracts, or manufacturing products in factories.
They work to support themselves and their families - providing for children, parents, and other dependants with the income earned through their labour. While some labourers manage to maintain a modest standard of living, a significant portion struggles to meet even their basic needs. Several persistent issues contribute to this problem, with delayed or unpaid wages being a primary cause.
When wages are withheld, workers lose motivation and develop resentment towards their employers. This dissatisfaction often leads to conflict and unrest. A tragic incident illustrating the gravity of this issue occurred recently on a ship bound for Chandpur, where one individual murdered seven workers. The discovery of the bodies shocked the nation..
Following the incident, Lieutenant General (Retd.) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Adviser to the Ministry of Home Affairs, announced the formation of an investigative committee to examine the circumstances. Within a short period, the perpetrator, Akash Mondol, was apprehended and subjected to judicial proceedings. Investigations revealed that the primary cause of the heinous crime was the non-payment of wages owed to the workers.
Akash Mondol is now under trial, and the case highlights the dire consequences of failing to address labour grievances.
The Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006 outlines comprehensive protections for workers. According to Section 01, the law aims to ensure the protection of workers and establish equitable labour conditions.
Section 14 mandates that wages must be fair and comply with the provisions of labour law. However, in practice, these laws are often not implemented effectively, leading to the escalation of crimes and conflicts.
Islamic teachings also stress the importance of paying labourers fairly and promptly.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasised the significance of honouring workers' wages. Despite such clear religious and legal guidelines, these principles are frequently neglected, resulting in widespread exploitation and dissatisfaction among labourers.
To address these issues, the government must take strict measures to enforce existing labour laws. Additionally, moral and ethical values, rooted in religious teachings, should be upheld to foster fairness and respect for workers' rights.
By ensuring timely payment of wages and implementing labour laws effectively, the cycle of exploitation and dissatisfaction can be broken, paving the way for a more equitable society.
Ashraful Islam
Student
Department of Law
University of Chittagong
[email protected]
