Labors, owners, lawyers, distinguished citizens and experts at a discussion today underscored the need for amending the discriminatory Bangladesh EPZ Labour Act, 2019 for the welfare of the laborers. "If the workers' rights of forming trade unions and collective bargaining in the export processing area are established, it will be easier to solve labor disputes and dissatisfaction," they said at a round table discussion organised by Solidarity Center Bangladesh (SCB) at Gulshan here. The experts said: "There are about 5 Lakh 16 thousand workers in nine EPZ industrial zones in Bangladesh. Workers' right of enjoying equal rights must be ensured through amending the Bangladesh EPZ Labor Act-2019." The labor laws should be amended aimed at enabling workers to seek legal redress for the wrongdoings to them as the existing law deprives them from essential rights, they added. Chaired by Solidarity Center Bangladesh Country Director AKM Naseem, the discussion was addressed, among others, by its Deputy Country Director Monika Hartsel, Legal Officer of Chief Inspector of Factories Masum Billah, Director of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association Mohammad Sohel Sadat and Eminent Lawyer Salim Ahsan Khan. Sramik Karmachari Oikya Parishad (SCOP) leader Naimul Islam Khan Jewel, President of the Sammilita Garment Shramik Federation Najma Akhter and Md Asadul Haque also addressed the discussion. The EPZ workers are being deprived as they cannot join any kind of political or any other organisation, the speakers said, adding: "Only strong organisations can ensure workers' rights." The experts said: "In the light of recent changes in Bangladesh it can now be claimed that EPZ workers should have rights consistent with international standards, particularly the right to form unions." Although the current EPZ Act allows the formation of workers' welfare associations, these associations cannot be affiliated to any non-governmental organisation, trade union or federation, they added. AKM N asim said the right to form workers welfare associations is also undermined by creating various hidden obstacles by the Bangladesh Export Processing Zone Authority. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
