13pc female RMG workers face sexual harassment

Thirteen percent of the female workers at readymade garments factories face sexual harassment at workplace, and 85 percent of the cases are verbal harassment, according to a research by Karmojibi Nari and Care Bangladesh.

The research conducted at RMG factories in Dhaka, Chattogram and Narayanganj also said 71 percent female workers face psychological harassment and 20 percent experience physical harassment.

The report was presented at a view-exchange meeting, titled ‘Promoting Safe Women-friendly Industry: What to do?” at a hotel in the port city yesterday.

Citing the research, Afroza Akter, project manager of ActionAid Bangladesh, said 71 percent female workers said they had not been granted four-month of maternity leave, which is ensured by the law.

She said production at factories, which ensure proper work atmosphere, was high. If harassment and other problems at all RMG factories could be resolved, the sector would see significant overall growth, she added.   

Asgar Ali Sabri, director of ActionAid Bangladesh; Liton Chowdhury, chief executive director of Songshoptaque; Dr Mohammad Shahin, lecturer of Chittagong University; MDM Mohiuddin Chowdhury, managing director of Clifton Group; Syed Nazrul Islam, managing director of Well Group; and Ruhi M Ahmad, chief of CSR at BSRM Foundation were present at the meeting while Nilima Akter Chowdhury, president of Agrajattra, chaired it.