Dhaka: Speakers at a recent programme emphasized the necessity for collective efforts from government, non-government, and volunteer organizations to ensure the protection of domestic workers' rights. The dialogue, held in Rajshahi City, focused on the growing reliance on household workers by both affluent and some low-income families, highlighting the urgent need to safeguard their legitimate rights.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the discussion was part of an event titled "Contribution of Domestic Workers in Rajshahi City, Problems and Way Forward," organized by the Bangladesh Resource Centre for Indigenous Knowledge (BARCIK). The organization is implementing a 'Poverty Reduction and Urban Resilience Programme' aimed at addressing the challenges faced by domestic workers.
The dialogue featured insights from government officials and development activists, including Rina Yeasmin, Assistant Director of the Department of Youth Development, Abdul Momin, Town Social Service Officer, Ferdous Rabia, Hostel Superintendent of the Department of Women Affairs, and Sabitry Hembrom, General Secretary of Varendra Youth Forum, who served as resource persons. They pointed out the significant contributions of women domestic workers to sustainable development and called for social recognition of their efforts.
Amrin Binte Azad, BARCIK's Policy Research and Advocacy Officer, presented preliminary findings from a study on women domestic workers in the city. Additionally, Shahidul Islam, Regional Coordinator, outlined BARCIK's activities through a theme paper presentation.
The meeting also addressed the 'Domestic Workers Protection and Welfare Policy, 2015', which aims to ensure the protection and welfare of household workers. Speakers advocated for integrating this policy with the Labour Act 2006 to uphold the moral dignity of domestic workers and prevent further abuse.