World Day Against Child Labour Observation at Keraniganj LRMG Area

Bangladesh Labour Foundation (BLF) has observed World Day Against Child Labour -2022 in Keraniganj local garment factory area on 13th June with the support of Mondiaal FNV. Three basic trade unions of Keraniganj were also involved in this program. The program started at 11 am with a discussion meeting at Tanaka Tower premises on Nagarmahal Road in Keraniganj. This was followed by a day-long special campaign against child labour through colorful rallies, mass signing campaigns and roadshows.

The meeting was chaired by A K M Salauddin, Deputy Inspector of Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishment (DIFE), Dhaka. Md. Abdullah Al Rony, Assistant Commissioner (Land) & Executive Magistrate Keraniganj was present as Chief Guest in the program. The special guests of the program were Z M Kamrul Anam, Secretary-General of BLF, Zahangir Shah Khusi, Chairman of Aganagar Union Parishad, Md. Shahinur Rahman, Bangladesh Consultant of Mondiaal FNV, Mohammad Raihan, President of Keraniganj Press Club, Md. Tofazzal Hossain, Joint Secretary of Keraniganj Garment Business and Shop Owners Association.

Assistant Commissioner (Land) & Executive Magistrate of Keraniganj Md. Abdullah Al Rani said the event is organized to express that child labour is a crime.  Workers’ leaders need to become pressure groups. They have to pressurize the government, as well as the factory owners also.

Deputy Inspector General of Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishment (DIFE) A K M Salauddin said Keraniganj will be a role model in eliminating child labour. Everyone has to work towards this goal. We will take legal action against those who do not respond to government initiatives. If necessary, we will sue.

Secretary-General of BLF Z M Kamrul Anam said Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has announced to eliminate of child labour. A National Plan of Action has been approved by the government, MoLE, and DIFE to eliminate child labour from Keraniganj by 2023. Everyone must accept this decision of the government. We will campaign in the first year but after a year the government will take action. BLF is also working to implement the directives of the government. He urged everyone to be aware before the government enforces the law.

Following the discussion, everybody participated in the colorful rally and signing campaign. Children put their handprints on canvas with the statement “We don’t want to work”. Employers and employees also participated in a mass signing campaign with the motto “We will End Child labour.”