BNP finds ‘ill motive behind BGMEA move’ to retrench workers

BNP Sunday alleged that Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) may have an ill motive behind its ‘inhuman’ announcement of laying off workers from the current month, even after availing of different facilities and incentives given by the government.

“The President of BGMEA has announced to retrench workers from June, triggering panic among the garment factory workers. Such an announcement after taking the incentive of Tk 5,000 crore can’t be accepted in any way,” said BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.

Speaking at a virtual press conference, he said, “It is extremely inhumane and against humanity to talk about retrenchment without taking the lives and livelihoods of workers into account. There may be any evil intention behind such announcement.”

Rizvi said the RMG factory owners are getting cash support alongside the Tk 5,000 crore incentives by the government. “They’ve committed an inhumane act with the sudden announcement of laying off workers at this bad time, even after enjoying so many facilities,” he said.

He said the RMG owners have continued sacking workers as around 70,000 workers have been laid off from different factories since the enforcement of coronavirus shutdown.

About the coronavirus situation, Rizvi alleged that the government has failed to tackle it and ensure treatment for the virus infected people.

Referring to media reports, he said there have been widespread corruption in procurement of different equipment and corona protective gears with the assistance from World Bank.

The BNP leader also alleged that though the government planned to import ventilators, work order is not yet given due to corruption in the process. “Media reports suggest that the Health Minister’s son is involved in it.”

He said though the government used to talk about massive development of the country, the coronavirus situation exposed the country’s sordid situation as people are not getting ventilator, ICU beds and ambulance at the hospitals while many of them are dying here and there without any treatment.UNB