Faruque Hassan, President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), stressed the significance of ensuring the health and well-being of workers for the sustainable development of the ready-made garment industry.
He called for more support from the Government, non-Governmental organisations (NGOs) and development partners in this regard.
Faruque Hassan came up with the remark while addressing a workshop titled “Strengthening nutrition services for RMG workers through Workforce Nutrition Alliance” at Hotel Lakeshore in Dhaka on 13th February.
Dr. Md. Akhteruzzaman, Additional Secretary at the Health Services Division; Prof. Dr. Mijanur Rahman, Line Director, National Nutrition Services (NNS); Dr. Mofijul Islam Bulbul, Program Manager, NNS; and G.M. Reza Sumon, Project Manager, GAIN also spoke at the event.
Hassan emphasised in his speech the RMG sector’s dedication to safeguarding the security, well-being, and dietary needs of the country’s labour force. Hassan also outlined the efforts and initiatives led by BGMEA to promote the health and well-being of RMG workers.
He also discussed the many efforts made by garment factories to promote the welfare of their employees. These comprise a wide range of non-wage advantages including daycare centres, healthcare centres, maternity rights programs, eye care centres, and fair price stores, in addition to community-based programs like hospitals and schools and mental health awareness campaigns.
BGMEA operates eight health centres in Dhaka and Gazipur, along with a hospital in Chattogram, providing free-of-cost health services to garment workers.
