HIV awareness among RMG workers vital, says minister

Shipping Minister Shahjahan Khan, third from left, addressing a discussion on HIV/AIDS at BIAM Foundation in the city yesterday. Photo: Courtesy

Shipping Minister Shajahan Khan yesterday said awareness on HIV/AIDS should be increased among transport and garment workers, as they live close together.
He also stressed the need for open discussion on AIDS to aware people, as the number HIV patients is increasing day by day despite the number remaining low now.
Shahjahan was addressing as the chief guest a roundtable organised by Bangladesh Labour Welfare Foundation at BIAM Foundation in the city yesterday.
The government is aware about HIV and trying to ensure healthcare facility for all through community clinic across the country, said the minister.
Lawmaker Israfi Alam said the number of HIV/AIDS patients in the countries surrounding Bangladesh remains high and it is increasing.
"We are, therefore, under high risk considering the situation."
The roundtable attended by around 100 labour leaders form across the country was presided over by Abdus Salam Khan, chairman of the labour foundation.
Labour leader Wilma Roje, ILO programme officer Shahbuddin Khan, Jatiya Sramik League president Abdul Matin, Trade Union Kendra acting president Lutfor Rahman Khan, and BLF secretary general ZM Kamrul Anam also addressed the roundtable.