Labour leaders, factory owners and economists on Saturday called for the establishment of ration shops in industrial zones to assist apparel workers in managing the effects of inflation.

By providing access to essential commodities at affordable prices, workers can better navigate economic challenges while maintaining their basic needs, they said.

The demand was made during a discussion titled ‘What the Budget Should Provide for Workers’ organized by the Bangladesh Textile-Garments Sramik Federation at Dhaka Reporters Unity.

Sultan Uddin Ahmed, executive director of Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies (BILS), stressed the need for political commitment rather than a large budget allocation to initiate rationing.

He remarked, ‘It is very unfortunate that we are demanding rationing at a time when the country is progressing towards becoming a developed nation.’

Sultan proposed that the government should allocate a portion of the tax revenue contributed by factory owners to benefit the workers.

At the discussion, Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) executive president Mohammad Hatem emphasized that, despite the implementation of a new wage structure, high inflation is making it difficult for workers to manage the high cost of living.

Considering the workers’ plight, Hatem suggested that the government should allocate funds to start ration shops in industrial areas, particularly in RMG industrial zones.

He also called for the establishment of at least two hospitals for garment workers in the industrial areas of Panchabati in Narayanganj and Ashulia.

Khondaker Golam Moazzem, research director at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), referred to the ruling Awami League’s election manifesto, stating that the current government is committed to ensuring workers’ wellbeing in line with ILO regulations.

He noted the potential for specific budget allocations for workers’ issues, which span various ministries.

Moazzem advised labour leaders to make targeted demands through the relevant ministries.

Joly Talukder, general secretary of the Bangladesh Garment Workers Trade Union Centre, highlighted that although RMG workers are propelling the economy forward, they are struggling to feed their families.

She urged for a dearness allowance for garment workers, pointing out that the current wage structure is insufficient for their daily needs.

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association Vice President (Finance) Md Nasir Uddin emphasized that they do not seek sympathy but demand appropriate allocations for workers from the tax money.

He suggested that the government could utilize fair price shops run by some factories, which provide commodities at 30 per cent lower prices than market rates, for distributing essential commodities to workers through ration shops.

Nasir added that government distribution through ration shops would not incur a loss, as items could be procured at lower prices.

Former minister Shahjahan Khan, addressing the gathering as the chief guest, stated, ‘If we want to keep industries alive, we must take initiatives to ensure a livable environment for workers.’

He asserted that it is the responsibility of entrepreneurs to lead this initiative and suggested that the government should establish an authority dedicated to resolving workers’ issues.

Kazi Rahima Shathi, general secretary of the Bangladesh Awami Mohila Sramik League, acknowledged the difficulties workers face in adjusting to high commodity prices despite recent wage increases.

She also noted the workers’ satisfaction with the latest wage hike.

Sultana Akhter, President of the Green Bangla Garments Workers Federation, proposed that the government should allocate funds to initiate a workers’ pension scheme.

Mahbubur Rahman Ismail, president of the Bangladesh Textile-Garments Sramik Federation, presided over the discussion program.