UNB, Dhaka :The Cabinet on Monday approved the draft of the ‘Domestic Workers Protection and Welfare Policy, 2015’ recognising their works as ‘Labour’, aiming to ensure their overall welfare. The approval was given at the regular weekly meeting of the Cabinet held at Bangladesh Secretariat with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the chair. Briefing reporters after the meeting, Cabinet Secretary Mohammad Shafiul Alam said Bangladesh is adopting such policy as the country has been a signatory to 189 section of the Geneva Convention.He said, the policy recognised works of the domestic helps, both male and female, as ‘labour’ ensuring their protection, welfare, rest, entertainment, leave alongside decent works and good working environment.Shafiul Alam said, the policy has been framed in light of the Labour Law and the minimum age of the domestic workers under the policy will be 14 for doing light works. The domestic workers above 18 years will be eligible for heavy works, he said.The Cabinet Secretary said, the salaries of the domestic workers will be fixed upon mutual agreement between the employers and the domestic workers so that the domestic helps could not be subjected to any kind of oppression, indecent behaviour and physical and mental torture.In case of physical and mental torture, the Cabinet Secretary said the provisions of punishment under the existing laws, including penal code and Women and Child Repression Prevention Act, will be applicable and the government will ensure it. He said the Workers Welfare Foundation will oversee ensuring of the facilities for domestic helps. Besides, he said the government will introduce a ‘helpline’ for the domestic workers while there will be also an awareness campaign.
