No system will be allowed to ignore workers' rghts: Atiqur Rahman
Barishal Bureau
Advocate Atiqur Rahman, central president of the Bangladesh Workers' Welfare Federation, said that no system will be allowed to continue ignoring the fair rights and dignity of workers. In addition to identifying and taking effective initiatives to solve the problems of workers, those responsible must work more actively and organizedly for their welfare.
He made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a responsible rally organized jointly by the Barisjal District and Metropolitan branches of the Bangladesh Workers' Welfare Federation at the Town Hall in Barisal city on Saturday.
He said, workers are one of the main driving forces of the country's economy and development. A large part of the country's production system and economic activities depend on their labor. However, in various fields, workers are being deprived of fair wages, rights and necessary facilities. Standing by the workers and playing an effective role in establishing their rights is one of the duties of those in charge.
He said, even after 55 years of independence, the fundamental rights of workers have not been fully established. The rise in commodity prices has made the lives of the common people difficult. Along with the increase in the prices of oil, gas and electricity, the prices of daily necessities have also increased. In this situation, effective initiatives are needed to improve the quality of life of the working people.
Calling for effective steps to control the market, he said, "No system will be allowed to continue ignoring the interests of the workers. If necessary, the workers will take to the streets." Citing the issue of fertilizer shortage for farmers, he said, "Farmers are complaining about not getting fertilizer in their fields. Creating an artificial crisis over fertilizer or holding the people hostage through syndicates will not be accepted."
Advocate Zahir Uddin Yamin, member of the central executive council of the Workers' Welfare Federation and Barisal district president, presided over the rally. The rally was jointly moderated by the Federation's Barisal Metropolitan General Secretary Mohammad Zafar Iqbal and Barisal District General Secretary Professor Saiful Islam. The Federation's Central Senior Vice President Prof Harun Or Rashid Khan, Barisal Metropolitan Chief Advisor Maulana Zahir Uddin Muhammad Babar and Barisal District Chief Advisor Maulana Mohammad Abdul Jabbar were special guests at the rally.
Also invited guests were former Barisal Divisional President of the Federation Maulana Matiur Rahman, former Central Assistant General Secretary of the Federation and President of the Barisal Press Club Principal Aminul Islam Khasru, Assistant Director of the Federation's Barisal Region Mashiur Rahman and Barisal District Advisor Syed Ahmed Khan Bachchu. In addition, leaders of various levels of the Federation's Barishal District and Metropolis were present. Leaders of various upazilas, police stations and unions of Barishal Metropolis and the district participated in the rally.
