This newspaper yesterday reported that a total of 1,053 workers were killed and 594 others injured in workplace accidents across the country in 2021. Quoting the survey findings of Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies (BILS), it was also mentioned that 431 incidents of labour unrest took place in different sectors, including highest 172 in the readymade garment (RMG) industry, during the aforesaid period. Of the dead, the number of female workers was 50. Another significant finding was that highest 513 workers were killed in transport sector, followed by 154 in construction sector, 87 in agriculture, 55 in food processing and 46 in day labour sector. Besides, 18 were killed as migrant workers, 27 killed in fisheries sector, 24 in shipping, 12 in ship-breaking, 11 in power, four in RMG industry and 102 in other sectors. It is nothing secret that working condition in almost all sectors is not worker-friendly. We doubt if the data was collected correctly in a systemic way, the number of causalities would have been increased. BILS has gained the information only from newspapers. But all reports, especially of rural and remote areas, are not published in the newspapers for lack of communication.
The workplace safety in Bangladesh has been a matter of great concern since the Rana Plaza tragedy which was the history’s deadliest workplace accident that took over thousand lives. Most of our workers do their jobs in accident prone factories without any safety gear. Even if they remain alive, they have to pass an unhealthy life being infected with critical diseases. Though factory owners earn fat amount of money by using the poor workers, they never pay any heed for their sound health. The Directorate of Labour is totally uncaring in ensuring safe workplace despite high rate of fatal accidents. Anyone would be astonished seeing the number of child workers in the country. These children work almost at all sectors – from transports to leather factories and constructions to welding workshops. The employers are doubly benefitted engaging the children. Number one – they have to pay small amount of money and secondly – the affected children never complain about workplaces. When we’re claiming ourselves a civilised nation and graduating to developing country, at that time our workforce has been working in an inhuman and risky working condition. It’s a big shame. The workers seldom get compensation after being killed.
Accidents and diseases relating to workplaces have an impact not only on the lives of affected workers and their families, but also on the country’s economy. We find no usefulness in having a labour ministry. They do not work either for good labour relations with the management or take care of safety at working places. The labour ministry has to ensure proper safety arrangement that is provided by the employers.
