Speakers at BGMEA meet call for garment workers safety

The programme was organised by Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) at Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD) Training Complex at Mirpur.

Home Minister M K Alamgir was present in the programme as the chief guest, where Labour Secretary Mikail Shipar, Commerce Secretary Mahbub Ahmed, FSCD Director General Md Ali Ahmed Khan, and BGMEA President Atiqul Islam, among others, were also present.

FSCD provided the month-long training on fire-fighting, search, rescue and first aid to a total of 35 BGMEA-recruited officials. These officials would later train mid-level managers and workers of RMG units across the country.

"The government is working to ensure fire safety in all garment factories," the home minister said in his speech on the occasion.

He called on all concerned to ensure that growth of the garment industry is not hampered due to spells of hartal.

Head of Development of Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) Janet Durno said there is much negative news in the global media regarding Bangladeshi garment industry, especially after the Tazreen and Rana Plaza incidents.

"The trainings are just the beginning, and with such initiatives positive things will come, as Bangladesh is moving forward on the right track."

Terming the recent tragedies 'challenges', she said Canada is interested to know how Bangladesh is facing and overcoming these challenges.

The commerce secretary in his speech stressed on speedy implementation of minimum wage for the garment workers.

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA)