February 12, 2017
The government decided on Wednesday to begin disbursing money to the country's garments workers from a central fund, which was designed for welfare of workers in the export-oriented apparel sector.
The board of the Central Fund took the decision in the third meeting held at the labour and employment ministry, chaired by Sate Minister for Mujibul Haque Chunnu, according to a press statement.
The government formed the board with representatives from RMG stakeholders to operate the Central Fund. The fund, apart from ensuring welfare, is also aimed at addressing untoward incidents.
According to the decision, the government will start providing insurance money to the workers with effect from October last. Deceased workers will get help from the board from January last.
According to rules in line with the Bangladesh Labour Act 2013, the owners of export-oriented garment industries contribute 0.03 per cent of export value to the workers' welfare fund.
The fund now stands at Tk 260 million.
The board has decided that if any worker dies at workplace would get Tk300,000 in compensation, Tk 200,000 if he dies outside the workplace and in case of injury or incurable disease a worker would get Tk 100,000.
The board has appointed former joint secretary Dr. Anisul Awal as general secretary of the board. State Minister for Labour and Employment Mujibul Haque Chunnu will lead the board as chairman.
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