BGMEA, DEPZ to recruit poor workers from Rangpur region

Our Correspondent

NILPHAMARI, Jun 4: On request of the headquarters of 66 Infantry Division of Rangpur Cantonment, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and Dhaka Export Processing Zone (DEPZ) have jointly taken an initiative to recruit poor workers from the monga-prone greater Rangpur region, sources said.
According to the sources, both the trade bodies will recruit every month 350 to 400 male and female workers between 20 and 25 years of age. They will recruit poor workers from Nilphamari, Kurigram, Gaibandha, Lalmonirhat and Rangpur districts. The workers will be provided with requisite apprenticeship training for one month.
When contacted, Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Nilphamari Khondokar Md Mokhlesur Rahman said main problem is the cost of conveyance of the poor workers who will be sent to Dhaka to work in the garment industries. Moreover, the workers will have to spend a month as apprentices on their own expenses.
All UNOs of the six upazilas of the district have been asked to give proper guidance for the initiative. When contacted, Lieutenant Jubair said Upazila-based selection of workers and sending them accordingly in alternate months may help arrange the recruitment system smoothly, the DC added.
Sources have expressed their hope that if recruitment is made properly and transportation cost is duly paid, the noble venture is sure to help greatly poverty alleviation in the northern region.