Toiling Away in Terrible Conditions

With only a few days until May Day, it is prudent to get an overview of what the situation is for the many workers toiling away in the far, often forgotten, corners of Bangladesh. For the economy to tick towards middle-development, labourers all over the country work in unhealthy and unsafe conditions. In Chittagong city, from aluminium factories to moving coal, labourers are often deprived of their basic right to safety and proper wages. Many of them are underaged. They are exposed to various dangers, often working without any safety-gear. Furthermore, children too can be seen working in almost every type of factory under the very nose of the authorities whose job is to ensure child safety and prevent child labour. The unhealthy working environment often takes a toll on these children. The future impact is yet to be seen and documented. Authorities need to ensure strict enforcement of laws and involve all the stakeholders to find a better solution to prevent the inevitable tragedies waiting to happen.

Photo: Rajib Raihan