It demands separate ministry for RMG sector
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) on Thursday demanded the government bring to justice those involved in irregularities and abuse of power in the country’s readymade garment (RMG) sector to ensure smooth growth of the vital sector.
“There’s no alternative to bringing them to justice. If we don’t show the courage right now to face the challenge, a bigger disaster might take place in the RMG industry in the future,” TIB Executive Director Prof Iftekharuzzaman told a press conference in the city.
He said there is a lack of coordination among government agencies related to the sector and demanded a separate ministry for the RMG industry for its uninterrupted growth ensuring labour rights and improved working condition.
TIB arranged the press conference at the National Press Club to share the findings of its latest research report on the sector, titled ‘RMG Sector: Problems of Good Governance and Way Forward’.
TIB Trustee Board chairperson adv Sultana Kamal, deputy executive director Dr Sumiya Khair, deputy programme manager Sharif Ahmed Chowdhury and assistant programme manager Nazmul Huda Mina also spoke at the news conference.
The TIB report placed a 25-point recommendation for ensuring workers’ safety and rights, good governance, transparency and accountability in the sector.
It mentioned that 17 institutions realise some additional Tk 7 lakh to Tk 20 lakh in fees when a new RMG unit is set up in the country.
Responding to a question, the TIB chief said there should be a welfare fund for the workers. “We propose 75:25 contributions by the buyers-owners to the fund through discussions.”
Sultana Kamal said it is the responsibility of all to protect the important sector and take it forward. “Those are responsible for lack of good governance in the sector shouldn’t go unpunished.”
She said the owners should consider the ‘living wage’ with due importance instead of so-called minimum wage for the workers. “Nobody is thinking of living wage. It should be considered with due importance.”
The former caretaker government adviser also said all need to work under a united platform to make the sector sustainable.
Responding to a question, Prof Zaman said they did not get desired support from BGMEA (Bangladesh Garment Manufactures & Exporters Association) though it was the key stakeholder of the sector.
According to the report, the owners’ side is involved in irregularities related to technical and social compliance issue. It also said the trade union leaders work in favour of the owners in exchange of money.
Meanwhile, some 10 percent parliament members are directly involved in the RMG sector increasing the risk of taking decisions in favour of individuals and groups.
No owner of the RMG factory should be there in parliamentary standing committees as member, the report recommended.
Source: UNB Connect