RMG labour unrest: Minister smells NGOs' involvement

Some nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) were involved in the latest labour unrest in the readymade garment sector, alleged Labour and Employment Minister Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain yesterday.
Without mentioning any specific name, the minister said in the name of protecting human rights, they (some NGOs) are violating human rights.
He said the existing labour law should be formulated in a comprehensive manner to bring all aspects under one umbrella.
"Some external forces were involved in the violence," the minister said.
He was speaking at a roundtable on 'strategies to minimise labour unrest in the RMG sector' at Dhaka Sheraton Hotel as the chief guest.
LIFT Standards, a German-based advisory firm on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), organised the discussion where lawmakers, diplomats, economists, trade union leaders, representatives of the international buyers, manufacturers, trade body leaders and experts attended.
Economist Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad, chairman of the Palli Karma Shahayak Foundation (PKSF) stressed a healthy working environment at the factory level with the participation of workers and owners.
"I strongly support for allowing trade unionism,” he said.
Stefan Frowein, ambassador of the Delegation of the European Commission, said EU is always concerned about core labour standards and human rights.
Dr Wajed Ali Khan, general secretary to Bangladesh Trade Union Centre, said the unrest occurred because of the poor wage.
He suggested the government introduce rationing of foods for the garment workers like police and Bangladesh Rifles.
Abu Arshad Khandker, supplier development manager of Walmart, asked the manufacturers for improving the mid-level management situation at different factories.