A shipping ministry meeting on Thursday called for paying wages and festival allowances ofgarment workers by September 5 ahead of the forthcoming Eid-ul-Azha, reports BSS.
The shipping ministry held the meeting at Motijheel in the capital to ensure safe and smooth journeys on the waterways during the Eid.
The meeting suggested granting leave to garment workers in phases to reduce pressure on transports during the Eid.
Shipping Minister Shajahan Khan presided over the meeting while Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) Chairman Commodore M Mozammel Huq, Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) Chairman Mizanur Rahman, Department of Shipping Director General Zakiur Rahman and Launch Owners Association Chairman Mahbubuddin were present, among others.
The shipping minister also addressed an anti-militancy discussion meeting organised by Garments Sramik Samonnay Parishad at Segunbagicha Swadhinata Hall in the capital yesterday.
He said the garment industry and the workers would have to be protected from the clutches of the terrorists and militants.
About 50 lakh workers are involved with garment industry, most of which are women, the minister said, adding that the freedom of women is under threat now because of the militants.
He sought cooperation of all patriotic people to eliminate militancy and terrorism to ensure freedom of women.
Labour leaders Badruddoza Nizam, Abul Hossain, ZM Kamrul Anam, Amirul Huq, M Taudidur Rahman and Kazi Rahima Aktar Sathi also spoke on the occasion, among others.