The BKMEA will introduce food rationing system for the garment workers within one month, said the association's president in Dhaka yesterday.
The association will also fix the prices of some basic exportable items.
President of Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) Fazlul Hoque was speaking at a seminar on developing owner-worker relationship for improved productivity in the knitwear factories.
Dr Kamal Hossain, a prominent Lawyer, attended the function as the chief guest. labour leaders, representing their respective trade unions, were also present on the occasion.
Fazlul Hoque said since an unhealthy competition prevails in the export of RMG products in the local market, BKMEA decided to fix the prices of some basic export items to ensure fairness to every local manufacturer.
“Sometimes many foreign buyers take advantage of our unhealthy local competition,” he said.
BKMEA has already completed almost all formalities in connection with price fixing of basic export items and hopes to launch the new price fixing system within next one month, he said.
With prices of essential commodities soaring in the local markets, BKMEA will launch its token rationing system for the workers at the factory level very soon, Fazlul Hoque said.
"Good days are waiting for Bangladesh's RMG sector in the backdrop of a changing global scenario. As a result, Bangladesh is set to become a popular destination for many buyers, he added.
“We must utilise the opportunity by ensuring a better working atmosphere through establishing good relationship between owners and workers,” he said.
Demanding a hike in their monthly salary package, the labour leaders urged the directors of the BKMEA to arrange regular talks with them to resolve the issue.
Montoo Ghosh, a veteran labour leader urged the owners not to harass but to negotiate with the workers and their leaders for the resolve of any dispute.
Dr Kamal asked the owners to agree to pay attention to the reasonable demands of the workers as they are directly related with the production. He also asked the owners to resolve any dispute through negotiation with the workers and their leaders.