Law Interview
Once again our country is being cursed by a man-made disaster and killed hundreds of people. Without saying many more are seriously injured. This is not a human folly but an intentional killing which is happening in this country repeatedly. This time the tragedy is being titled as "Rana Plaza Tragedy”. The reasons are manifold for such disaster. In this condition The Daily Star- 'Law Desk talks with Dr. Abdullah Al Faruque Professor and Dean Faculty of Law University of Chittagong Bangladesh.
Law Desk (LD): Whether the existing law is sufficient enough to address the safety and security of workers?
Dr. Abdullah Al Faruque (AAF): The existing laws on safety and security of the workers but these are not implemented or enforced due to lack of inspection, prosecution and other legal measures.
LD: Whether the provisions for compensation and penal sanctions are adequate enough?
AAF: The existing provisions for compensation are not enough and can hardly meet the cost of lives or physical injury. Penal sanctions are more or less OK.
LD: What are the reasons for non-enforcement of the workers right to work in a safe environment and right to get compensation in case of grievance?
AAF: Reasons for non-enforcement of provisions: inadequate number of inspectors in labour inspection office, lack of compliance with building code, lack of political willingness, corruption, nepotism, political influence, lack of proper monitoring of the safety and health measures;
LD: What are the impediments towards the effective functioning of Trade Union in Bangladesh?
AAF: Trade unions are hardly allowed in RMG sectors despite enabling legal provisions. Only few RMG industries allow trade union. So many restrictions are imposed by the government on registration of trade union; some labour federations and trade unions are highly politicised and as a result, they cannot fulfill the expectation of the workers.
LD: What would be your suggestion to come out from this backdrop by ensuring safety of workers at workplace?
AAF: For ensuring safety and security of workers, the existing laws should be enforced and owners in breach of laws should be prosecuted and punished. All stakeholders including buyers, government, trade unions and employers should play their role. In particular, government institutions,- Department of Labour, Office of Labour Inspection, labour court should be strengthened and should be made accountable for non-compliance with labour laws.
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