Karmojibi Nari President Shirin Akhtar speaks at a press conference at the National Press Club in the city yesterday. On her left is director Mahmuda Imam. PHOTO: STAR

Karmojibi Nari, a non-government organisation, yesterday demzanded security fund for garment workers who are likely to lose their jobs with the phase out of multi fiber arrangement (MFA) this month.

At a press conference at the National Press Club, leaders of the organisation also demanded of the government to announce a detailed plan for the rehabilitation of garment workers likely to be retrenched.

The speakers said allocation of Tk 20 crore by the government for the training and employment of garment workers was not sufficient.

They also urged the government to identify the garment industries that are supposed to be shut down and make a list of the workers that might be retrenched.

Shirin Akhtar, president of Karmajibi Nari, said the garment industries should have national regulations and exit policy so that around 18 lakh garment workers do not face any uncertain situation and he or she could be paid for at least three months.

"The garment workers are much vulnerable as they are yet to have the right to form trade union. Strengthening the movement for trade union is essential for garment workers, and the political parties should come forward to help attain this right," she said, adding that otherwise the women workers who gained their dignity in the society through employment would be the most sufferers.

Rokeya Rafiq Baby, executive director of Karmojibi Nari, said there are many women garment workers who still don't know what a dreadful situation they are going to face in the next year, and mass campaign is needed to prepare them to meet the challenge.

She said her organisation has taken up a programme in this regard from March 19 to December and around one lakh workers have so far taken part in it.

Karmojibi Nari would announce its next programme after holding a rally at Muktangon tomorrow.