Houseowners agree to 40pc rent waiver for workers in Savar

A decision of waiving 40 percent house rent for workers in Savar industrial area has been taken with a view to reduce their burden during the crisis period of coronavirus outbreak.

Industrial police, local public representatives, house owners and labour leaders jointly reached the decision at a meeting this noon, reports our Savar correspondent.

The decision will be eligible from April 1, and will remain effective until the end of the prevailing crisis, the Industrial police said in a press statement.

Around 50 to 55 house owners were present during the meeting on fixing the rent, the press release said.

All participants of the meeting unanimously agreed that around 40 percent of house rent for workers in the area will be waived.

Sarwar Hossain, president of BharatiaParishad, also confirmed the matter to The Daily Star.

Sana Shaminur Rahman, superintendent of police of Dhaka Industrial Police, said that the workers will benefit from the decision.

Talking to this correspondent, Rubel Ahmed who is owner of a house in Jamgara area of Ashulia, said the RMG workers are being paid 60 percent salary, which makes paying rent difficult for them.

Rubel, who rented some to 60 to 70 workers at his houses, welcomed the decision and said no industry will survive without workers.

Over 10 lakh workers live in the industrial area, according to Bangladesh Trade Union Centre.