Month Long Campaign of Domestic Workers Rights Network Launched

MNA National Desk: An inaugural ceremony and a month long campaign in celebration of one year anniversary of ‘Grihokormi Shurokkha O Kalyan Niti 2015’ (Domestic Workers Protection and Welfare Policy – 2015) was held today (January 4, 2017) at Dhaka Press Club Auditorium. The program was arranged by ‘Grihoshromik Odhikar Protishtha Network’ (Domestic Workers Rights Network) – a concern of Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies (BILS).  From this ceremony a month long campaign to raise awareness on the issues of domestic worker’s rights has been launched a month long program.

Md. Mujibul Haque MP, State Minister of Labour and Employment, inaugurated the campaign being present as Chief Guest. Md. Habibur Rahman Shiraj, Chairman of Bangladesh Institution of Labour Studies (BILS) presided over the ceremony. BLAST Deputy Director Advocate Borkot Ali was the Moderator in the program.

Among others, Joint Secretary of Ministry of Labour and Employment Md. Aminul Islam, Oxfam Bangladesh Acting Country Director M B Akhter, BILS Joint Secretary General Dr. Wajedul Islam Khan, Jatiya Garhostha Nari Sramik Union Advisor Abul Hossen, BILS Executive Director Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmmed, DWRN Member Secretary Nazma Yesmin were also present.

Leaders and representatives from several affiliated organizations of ‘Grihoshromik Odhikar Protishtha Network’ – National Trade Union Federation, Human Rights Organizations, Central Monitoring Cell formed by Labour and Employment Ministry to implement Domestic Workers Protection and Welfare Policy – 2015’, OXFAM Bangladesh etc. were also present in the program. Around 200 household workers from different areas of Dhaka City also participated in this event.

This campaign will be focused to build effective mass awareness, to gather suggestions of future steps for publicity, to define strategy and create blueprints of future activities. Several activities including discussion session to build awareness, rally, poster and leaflet distribution will be held with household workers’ participation.

At the beginning of the program, the Chief Guest handed over the awareness building posters and leaflet to the representatives of all affiliated organizations of the network. The Chief Guest, State Minister of Labour and Employment, told in his speech that, the domestic workers are being the victims of domestic violence. He mentioned few barbaric incidents. In an unusual turn of events, the State Minister publicly provided his mobile number to the domestic workers and advised them to call him directly if they ever face any kind of domestic violence or torture. He ensured them that he will take measures against the culprits personally. So, now the domestic workers can reach the state minister for help on his cell (01720308291).

The Chief guest also conveyed some decisions, the Prime Minister hence the government has taken to help the domestic workers. They will be provided an aid of Tk.50,000 to Tk.3,00,000 for the higher education of their children if the children are notably meritorious and excel in their examinations. The State Minister also assured the domestic workers with a promise of Tk.1,00,000 aid in case of critical illness leading to their disability to work. He said, these decisions have already been finalized and the government will be always beside the labour-oriented workers. He also praised the present domestic workers for earning honest and hard-earned livelihood.

The President of the ceremony, Chairman of BILS in his speech thanked and appreciated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Contribution in ensuring the rights of the workers. He hoped that, with the trend of development in Bangladesh, there might not be any domestic workers available in Bangladesh within next 5-10 years as there will be adequate job opportunities for them. “The policy is ready, waiting for implementation”, he added.

The inaugural session was followed by a colorful rally and pleasant cultural program.