BGMEA president for improving nutritional status of RMG workers

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association President Faruque Hassan has underscored the need for comprehensive efforts and mass awareness to improve the nutritional status of garment workers, the driving force behind the country’s RMG industry.

"Workers will be able to maintain good health and the energy to be as productive as the job requires if nutritious and safe food is ensured for them,” he said at a program in Dhaka on Tuesday, read a press release.

“RMG workers do not always have proper knowledge of which food are good in terms of nutritional value, so awareness should be raised among them about nutritious foods and their benefits,” he added.

Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) and Auchan Foundation organised the event.

In his speech, Faruque Hassan mentioned that in addition to mandatory Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities, many RMG factories in Bangladesh are taking praiseworthy initiatives for workers to ensure their well-being.

“One such initiative is the fair price shop where daily commodities are sold at affordable prices,” he said.

Apart from initiatives of individual factories, a comprehensive approach needs to be taken by all the stakeholders of the garment sector for ensuring the proper nutrition of garment workers at affordable prices, the BGMEA chief added.

Ministry of Labor and Employee Secretary Md Ehsan-E-Elahi, Department of Labour Director-General Khaled Mamun Chowdhury (ndc), Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association Executive President Mohammad Hatem also spoke at the event.

In addition, BGMEA Vice President (Finance) Khandoker Rafiqul Islam, Auchan Foundation Project Manager Juliette Bataille, Auchan Foundation General Delegate Alain Reners, and GAIN Country Director Dr Rudaba Khondorker delivered speeches at the event as well.