Ensure workers safety, PM tells businessmen

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina addresses an inaugural ceremony of a textile fair at Ruposhi Bangla Hotel in the capital on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday urged the businessmen to ensure the safety of workers while setting up industries and factories.

“When you set up buildings, do not block any waterbody,” the PM said adding “The fire that raged though the Ashulia garment factory Saturday evening could not be doused immediately due to absence of any water source near the factory.”

She was inaugurating the fifth textile fair ‘Texbangla 2012’ at Ruposhi Bangla Hotel in the capital.

Bangladesh Textile Mills Association organised the three-day fair.

A number of committees have been formed to investigate the Ashulia garment fire incident that killed 111 workers and the committees were asked to submit their reports immediately, the prime minister said.

“Action will be taken on the basis of those reports,” she said.

In her speech, the prime minister said special economic zones will be launched at the seven divisions gradually so that the foreign investors can invest more.

About maritime boundary with Myanmar, she said the government will invite tenders to explore oil and gas in Bay of Bengal soon.

She also hoped that the maritime boundary issue with India will be resolved by 2014.

Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith and outgoing president of Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industries Abul Kalam Azad were, among others, present on the occasion.

Source: The Daily Star