In all of the nation’s industrial sectors, technological use is steadily rising. New technologies are also continuously being incorporated by the garment sector. Garment workers should be proficient in using technology and have the necessary training for this.
Speaking at a discourse titled Garment industry’s use of technology is a threat to workers or opening new doors of opportunity, at Dhaka Reporters Unity’s Nasrul Hamid Auditorium, the speakers discussed these points in honour of Great May Day.
Mahmudul Hasan Khan, the deputy director of the Bangladesh Labour Foundation’s programme branch, gave the keynote address at the discussion, which was arranged by the Industrial Bangladesh Council (IBC).
He said, earlier, 150 to 200 workers were required in the cutting section of the ready-made garment sector, but now 60-70 workers are working using automatic cutting machines. Technologies like 3-D printing have reduced the number of workers required for pattern design from 10-12 to 1-2. Using automatic technology in spreading, 2 to 3 people are doing the work of 10 to 12 people.
The political unrest, inflation, shifts in brand-buyer behaviour, minimum wages, high production costs, environmental hazards and factory safety issues, a lack of skilled workers, climate change and overheating, a lack of variety in clothing, an inadequate supply of raw materials, and amendments to labour laws are just a few of the challenges facing the apparel industry today, he added.
ZM Kamrul Anam, Senior Vice-President of the organisation, presided over the dialogue said, the use of technology has already started in the garment industry. Workers in this sector need training to use technology appropriately. For this, along with government initiatives, trade unions should also play a role. We should also take care that workers are not fired due to technology.
Shahidullah Badal, General Secretary of IBC moderated the dialogue. Vice President Mir Abul Kalam Azad, Finance Secretary Kabir Hossain and Executive Member Freedom Fighter Qutub Uddin Ahmed were also present at this time.