Nazma Akhter, president of the Sammilita Garment Shramik Federation, highlighted widespread denial of workers’ rights in Bangladesh due to a significant power imbalance hindering access to legal support.

She cited violations like denial of maternity benefits, sexual harassment, verbal abuse, excessive workloads, and lack of daycare centers, with owners rarely held accountable.

Nazma criticized the government’s reluctance to address unfair labour practices and proposed a central arbitration center for quicker dispute resolution.

She lamented laws favoring owners over workers, citing ineffective enforcement by government agencies and the influence of business interests in parliament.

Nazma also criticized global buyers for not paying fair prices, contributing to worker exploitation.

She said that in Bangladesh, workers often face the denial of their lawful rights, primarily due to the prevailing power imbalance in society, which obstructs their access to legal support.

She cited common violations of labour laws such as the denial of maternity benefits, sexual harassment, verbal abuse, excessive workloads, and the absence of daycare centres.

Nazma noted that authorities rarely hold owners accountable for these offenses.

The labour leader alleged that the situation regarding the formation of trade unions remains dire, with the government showing reluctance to address unfair labour practices.

She emphasized that while workers seek protection of their legal rights, they hesitate to pursue legal action due to lengthy legal proceedings.

Nazma advocated for the establishment of a central arbitration centre to promptly resolve workers’ disputes using alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, critiquing labour laws that appear to prioritize owners’ interests over those of workers.

She underscored the detrimental impact of the unequal distribution of power in society on workers’ rights in Bangladesh, noting that government agencies, including the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments, have failed to effectively implement labour laws.

Nazma also criticized the dominance of businesses in parliament, leading to a government that prioritizes their interests over those of workers.

Additionally, she attributed the deprivation of workers in Bangladesh to global buyers and brands, accusing them of not paying ‘ethical’ prices for products and thereby contributing to worker exploitation.