A formal trade union platform has been formed for the first time in Bangladesh with an eye to protecting the rights of migrant workers.
Six garment workers' federations and a union of domestic helps came together to form this platform named 'Trade Union Platform for Migrant Workers' at a programme in Dhaka on Wednesday.
The platform elected an 11-member governing council for leading its activities for the next two years.
Chandon Kumar Dey has been elected president of the council. Lily Gomes will act as its member secretary.
"We've been speaking occasionally about migrant workers' rights. From now on, we can speak often about their issues," said Babul Akhter, general secretary, Bangladesh Garment and Industrial Workers Federation, a founding member of the new trade union.
Other members are Bangladesh Independent Garment Workers Union Federation, Bangladesh Revolutionary Garment Workers Federation, Sammilita Garment Sramik Federation, Akota Garment Worker Federation, Garment Sramik Sanghati Federation and National Domestic Women Workers Union.
The platform also has four associate founding members with no voting power. They are Solidarity Centre Bangladesh, Bangladesh Centre for Workers Solidarity, Awaj Foundation and Bangladeshi Ovibashi Mohila Sramik Association.
The newly launched platform aims to work at home and abroad with intent to ensure rights of migrant workers and end discrimination against them.
"The initiative is different given that it brings in a trade union for migrant workers," said AKM Nasim, country programme director, Solidarity Centre. 'Previously, civil society organisations were mainly working with migration issues," he added.
Monika Hartsel, deputy programme director, Solidarity Centre, also attended the programme, among others.
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