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Address workers’ concern, ensure security and bring back GSP facility: AB Party

Staff Reporter

Staff Reporter

Publish: 18 Sep 2024, 08:37 PM

Address workers’ concern, ensure security and bring back GSP facility: AB Party

Credit: Courtesy of AB Party

The AB Party has demanded the cancellation of registrations for hundreds of artificial trade unions linked to the previous regime, which they claim are being used as proxies to incite chaos and vandalism within the Readymade Garment (RMG) and other export-oriented sectors.

This announcement came during a press conference held Wednesday afternoon, where party officials addressed the interim government's handling of ongoing labor unrest in industrial zones.

Joint Member Secretary of the AB Party, Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuaad, emphasized that while some grievances—such as demands for a minimum living wage and improved working conditions—are legitimate, other demands, including gender parity among workers and specific promotions, are deemed unreasonable.

During the conference, Fuaad praised the interim government's efforts to curb the influence of thugs associated with the former regime in industrial areas, aided by industrial police and military personnel.

He called for an investigation and trial regarding recent worker casualties, alongside rehabilitation and compensation for affected families.

Fuaad further urged the interim government to explore ways to regain duty-free Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) benefits in the US market, potentially through connections with Professor Yunus, or to negotiate for a reduction in tariffs.

He expressed a vision for the annual garment export revenue to reach $100 billion, which he believes could create an additional five million jobs.

He emphasized the urgent need to identify and bring to justice those responsible for creating disorder in industrial areas with the backing of the previous government and its allies. However, he stressed the importance of ensuring that innocent protesting workers are not harassed.

Regulating the trade of waste cloth through open bidding (auction/tender) is essential. In addition to enhancing energy security, it is vital to reduce reliance on India for yarn and cotton imports by developing alternative markets and capabilities.

The party demands a gradual decrease in the number of foreign workers from countries like India and Sri Lanka, advocating for increased hiring of local staff in these industries.

Furthermore, they propose implementing labor law training for new workers, promoting problem-solving through discussions, and establishing profit-sharing initiatives between owners and workers at the end of the year to foster understanding and reduce unrest in the industry.'

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Publisher: Nahidul Khan
Editor in Chief: Dr Saimum Parvez
Editor (English version): Faisal Mahmud

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