Taking workers' issue centre-stage

Concerned at health risks and economic uncertainties, we in Bangladesh are trying to overcome the current crisis by focusing on recovery of the economy, keeping the supply chains intact and securing the flow of money including remittances and export proceeds. We are also talking about loss of jobs and livelihoods of millions but broadly fail to show human face of the crisis. Packages are offered for workers and the poor mainly with the objective to prevent possible unrest or any chaos.

We are yet to make proper focus on the manpower, particularly workforce that includes on-job and out of work people and potential workers. We have somehow ignored the importance of taking care of workforce through development of skills, training, culture of healthy competition, and social protection. However, the government's latest move to raise productivity should be aligned with education and industry. PricewaterhouseCoopers, in a recent report, emphasised protecting the workforce by providing support, maintaining continuity of their works and also aligning them with future business plans.

Shehzada Qaiyum

Dhanmondi, Dhaka

[email protected]