Mintu Abdur Rahman , Rangpur :
About 15,000 children have been working in around 30 bidi factories in Haragachh, Rangpur in dark and unhealthy environment, according to sources.
The age of the children working in bidi factories in the area ranges from 4 to 13 years, sources also said.
The workers are unaware about their health related matters and environment of the working place. They do not use mask and hand gloves to protect themselves from diseases. They are exposed to tobacco dust and toxic chemicals, sources alleged.
They can hardly afford good treatment and eventually die, said Zakir Hossain, a physician. As per law, the factory owner must employ a doctor for regular checkup of the workers. But it is never done. Asked about this, “Who will enforce this law?” Halim, a worker replied.
Nazir Hossain, owner of a bidi factory at Haragachh said as there is no alternative way to earn, most of the local people’s condition is very miserable. So they are compelled to send their children to bidi factories to earn and support their impoverished families.
A number of bidi factory owners said if the government ensures gas and adequate electricity supply in the area, many investors might be able to setup different industries which will change the socio-economic condition of the poverty-stricken people in the region, they added. Conscious people of the region urged the government to take adequate measures to stop child labour in bidi industry in order to save the children from health hazards and ensure a better life for them.
About 15,000 children have been working in around 30 bidi factories in Haragachh, Rangpur in dark and unhealthy environment, according to sources.
The age of the children working in bidi factories in the area ranges from 4 to 13 years, sources also said.
The workers are unaware about their health related matters and environment of the working place. They do not use mask and hand gloves to protect themselves from diseases. They are exposed to tobacco dust and toxic chemicals, sources alleged.
They can hardly afford good treatment and eventually die, said Zakir Hossain, a physician. As per law, the factory owner must employ a doctor for regular checkup of the workers. But it is never done. Asked about this, “Who will enforce this law?” Halim, a worker replied.
Nazir Hossain, owner of a bidi factory at Haragachh said as there is no alternative way to earn, most of the local people’s condition is very miserable. So they are compelled to send their children to bidi factories to earn and support their impoverished families.
A number of bidi factory owners said if the government ensures gas and adequate electricity supply in the area, many investors might be able to setup different industries which will change the socio-economic condition of the poverty-stricken people in the region, they added. Conscious people of the region urged the government to take adequate measures to stop child labour in bidi industry in order to save the children from health hazards and ensure a better life for them.
