Narayanganj:A newly constructed nine-storey government hostel in Narayanganj is offering safe and affordable accommodation for women workers, particularly those in the garment and industrial sectors. The facility aims to alleviate the challenges of high urban housing costs and insecure living conditions.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the hostel is located in the Rajbari area of Bandar upazila, across the Shitalakkhya River. It is expected to significantly improve the lives of numerous women who previously faced difficult living conditions after long factory hours. The project, costing around Taka 55 crore, spans 45.68 decimals of land owned by the Department of Labour and promotes better living standards for low-income women workers.
The construction of the hostel began on July 7, 2018, and was completed on December 24, 2023. It offers 174 rooms with a total capacity for 608 women workers, including single, double, and four-bed rooms. The facility includes modern amenities such as CCTV surveillance, fire extinguishers, a medical unit, a canteen, and laundry services.
The monthly rent is set at Taka 1,000 per bed in double- and four-bed rooms, and Taka 2,000 for single rooms, making it an attractive option for low-income workers. Women from various occupations can apply for accommodation, and forms are available online or at the hostel office. The surrounding area hosts 214 factories employing 14,338 women workers, indicating a strong demand for the hostel's facilities.
Officials believe that increasing awareness of the hostel could help address the accommodation needs of many women workers. The hostel's location across the river provides convenient access for those employed in Narayanganj city, enhancing its appeal.
Fatema, a worker at Epyllion Knitwears Limited, expressed relief at the availability of such affordable and safe accommodation, a sentiment echoed by Director of the Divisional Labour Office Md Shafiqul Islam. He emphasized the project's objective to improve the living standards and productivity of women workers, ultimately benefiting the national economy by fostering a more dynamic workforce.