Staff Reporter :
Speakers at webinar on Thursday underscored the specific budgetary allocation for ensuring rationing cards, housing and low-cost medical facilities of the workers in the upcoming national Budget for 2021-22 fiscal year.
They also urged the government to form a separate parliamentary Caucus comprising with the experienced MPs and concerned persons for developing the livelihood of the workers.
Many workers either have lost their jobs or reduced incomes amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Under this circumstance, the government should take special care about them, they added.
Bangladesh Textile Garments Sramik Federation organized the virtual roundtable discussion on “What kind of budget do we want for the workers?” Advocate Mahbubur Rahman, president of the organization, moderated the discussion. Speaking at the discussion, former Shipping Minister Shahjahan Khan, MP, said the introduction of rationing card system, ensuring low cost medical facility and housing system for the workers should be given importance in the upcoming National Budget.
“Many former presidents of BGMEA and BKMEA are now Members of the Parliament. They should raise their voice in the Parliament strongly on this issue,” he added.
He further said special budgetary allocation is needed for developing the life-standard of the workers.
Faruque Hassan, President of the Bangladesh Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), said specific directions are need to be included in the upcoming National Budget for introducing rationing system and other facilities for the workers.
Mohammad Hatem, Senior Vice-President of BKMEA, said that the introduction of the rationing card system will help for developing life-standard of the workers.
Dr Khandaker Golam Moazzem, Director of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), said, “The government should make a database of workers at the national level. What will be allocated for the workers in the budget like in other sectors should be mentioned in the budget announcement.”
“A separate parliamentary caucus comprising with the experienced MPs and concerned persons needs to be formed immediately,” he said.
He also emphasized on bringing the workers under insurance scheme, vaccinating and creating new jobs opportunities for them.
Prof Anu Mohammad said that the workers will have to come forward unitedly for the interest of the development of their livelihood.
“The workers are now deprived of housing, medical and education facilities, despite the facilities were ensured for the Adamji workers in 50 years ago. So, what are the achievements during the 50 years,” he questioned.
