Uphold rights of domestic workers

The rights of domestic workers are constantly being violated in the country, said speakers at a conference yesterday.

The “Domestic Workers' Conference” organised by Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies (BILS) and Oxfam Bangladesh was held at Jatiya Press Club in Dhaka, said a press release.

Although the government has declared the Domestic Workers' Protection and Welfare Policy 2015, the speakers said it should be brought under purview of the Labour Act 2006 to ensure their moral dignity and prevent further abuse.

The speakers also urged the government to ratify the ILO Convention 189.

Rights activist advocate Sultana Kamal was the chief guest. During the conference, a 23-member National Domestic Workers' Coordination Council was also formed with Dr Wazedul Islam Khan leading it.

Among others, rights activist Dr Hamida Hossain; President of Jatiya Sramik League Shukkur Mahamud, member of BILS advisory council Shah Md Abu Zafar; Bangladesh Trade Union Kendra General Secretary Dr Wazedul Islam Khan were present.