OUR CORRESPONDENT
CHATTOGRAM, Oct 11: Construction workers have called for the establishment of a separate welfare board, introduction of a rationing system, and assurance of fair wages to improve their living standards.
They placed the demands at a discussion organised by the Chattogram District Committee of Imarat Nirman Sramik Union Bangladesh (INSAB) at a hotel in the port city on Saturday. The event was held to introduce the newly formed district committee and to distribute identity cards among its members.
District committee president Babul Hossain Anis presided over the meeting, while general secretary Mohiuddin conducted the session. Bir Muktijoddha Tapan Dutta, president of the Bangladesh Trade Union Centre (TUC) Chattogram District Committee, attended as the chief guest.
Speakers at the event said construction workers remain deprived of fair wages, safe working conditions, and essential social protections despite being vital to the nation's infrastructure development.
They urged the government to form a dedicated welfare fund and enact laws to ensure compensation in cases of workplace injuries or fatalities.
Highlighting the impact of rising inflation, union leaders demanded the introduction of a rationing system and the establishment of fair-price shops to help workers meet their basic needs.
They also called for measures to ensure occupational safety, including the mandatory appointment of safety officers at all construction sites, and the creation of a national database through the registration of all construction workers.
INSAB leaders announced plans to expand their organisational activities to the district and upazila levels in the coming months, with a focus on skills development, social awareness, and advocacy for labour rights.
Ifthekhar Kamal Khan, joint secretary of the TUC Chattogram District Committee, and Fazlul Kabir Mintu, central organiser of the TUC, were present as special guests.
Other speakers included INSAB advisor Md Firoz, city committee president Md Hanif, Bayezid Thana committee president Md Ashraf Uddin, district committee executive president Abdul Halim, and organising secretary Md Delwar Hossain.
nazimuddinshyamol@gmail.com
