'11 pc RMG workers feel insecure at workplace'

As many as 22 per cent female readymade garment workers faced physical, psychological or sexual harassment at or outside their workplace while 11 per cent say they feel insecure at work, according to a recent study.

The findings of the study conducted by Shojag, a coalition of rights bodies, including Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST), BRAC, Christian Aid, Naripokkho and SNV Netherlands Development Organisation, were presented at a programme in the city on Monday.

Shojag leader Mahin Sultan said 382 RMG workers of different factories in Savar, Ashulia and Gazipur areas were questioned between March and June 2018 as part of the study.

Around 83 per cent female workers reported that they had experienced abusive comments, groping while queuing for security checks, unwanted touches by male colleagues and intimidation for attempted sexual relations at workplace.

Among the respondents, two-third people said, they don’t complain to their respective authorities as they think they would not get any justice.

The study made some recommendations to the government, including the need to ensure a functioning complaint mechanism system in the industry and raising awareness among public transport workers on violence and sexual harassment of the female workers.

Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments deputy inspector general Matiur Rahman recommended that the existing law should incorporate rules such as establishing commercial day care facilities for female workers and ensuring lighter works for the female workers after maternity leave.

Labour and employment ministry’s Begum Mursheda Hai, BLAST’s Mahbuba Akhter, Renesa Group’s Syeda Shaila Ashraf, Shojag’s Rowshan Ara, among others, spoke at the programme.