On 7th March, a rally was held in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka, organised by the National Workers Unity Centre and the Green Bangla Garments Workers Federation. The event, held in conjunction with International Women’s Day, aimed to advocate for six months of maternity leave for all women in Bangladesh’s various sectors, highlighting the need to eliminate disparities between the government, private, and labour sectors.
Speakers at the rally emphasised the importance of equitable maternity leave policies. Currently, women in government jobs are entitled to six months of maternity leave, while those in the garment sector receive only four months. There are no provisions for maternity leave in the informal sector, which the speakers deemed unacceptable. “We must ensure maternity leave for all women. The definition of a worker must be properly considered when amending the relevant laws,” they stated.
Additionally, the speakers raised concerns about factory authorities not taking responsibility for accidents occurring during workers’ commutes, as well as issues related to provident funds, gratuities, the right to form trade unions, job security, and workplace safety. They criticized the lack of consideration for workers’ opinions and proposals in recent labor law amendments and called for accelerated gender equality through respect for women’s social, political, cultural, and economic rights.
The rally was presided over by Sultana Begum, president of the Garments Workers Federation, and featured addresses from various leaders, including general secretary Md Ilias and activists such as Rojina Akter Sumi and Amrin Hossain Anney. Following the rally, participants marched through the streets surrounding the National Press Club, raising their voices for women’s rights and empowerment.
