Garment workers have expressed concerns that-while their wages have seen a slight increase, they are now facing significantly longer working hours. The rising cost of living, including rent and essential goods, exacerbates their challenges. Furthermore, workers have reported that experienced employees are being laid off without any prior notice.
On 1st November, garment workers voiced their complaints during a theater performance at the Montage Training Centre, Gazipur. This event was part of the “Amio Jitte Chai” campaign, organized by Democracy International and funded by USAID.
After watching the theater performance, garment worker Rabea Khatun said, “Our office starts at 7:30 AM, and we have to leave for the office by 7:00 or even earlier. We are often attacked by muggers on the road. Sometimes, nearby people come forward to help, but most of the time, even when they see it, no one intervenes.”
Sultana, another worker, emphasized the physical harassment faced on the roads and public transport, stating, “While commuting by bus, we often face sexual harassment, and even when walking on the footpath, we sometimes become victims of physical humiliation.”
Jahidul Islam, a garment worker, complained that the house rent increases more than the salary increase at the end of the year. He said, “while my salary increases slightly, the prices of goods rise significantly, so this salary increase is of no benefit at all.”
Fatema, another worker, shared the difficulties she faces as a mother. She said, “I want to leave the office by five to take care of my child. But I am not allowed to take leave. We are only given leave at nine at night, sometimes at eight or seven. There is no provision for keeping the child at my office. I worry the entire time I’m at work, leaving my child alone at home.”
The event was moderated by Ashrupa Haque Chowdhury, Senior Program Officer at Democracy International. Arafat Ali Siddique, Senior Communications Manager discussed the campaign’s objectives and introduced the platform amiojittechai.com, created for citizens to voice their demands. He also spoke about various activities aimed at promoting these demands and raising awareness under this campaign.
Under the USAID-funded Strengthening Political Landscape (SPL) project, Democracy International’s “Amio Jitte Chai” campaign highlights citizens’ expectations through theater performances and discussions across various districts and campuses nationwide. The organizers hope this initiative will encourage relevant authorities to take action to address the needs and aspirations of diverse social classes and marginalized communities.
More than 150 garment workers participated in the event. Earlier, another theater performance on the same issue took place on October 18 at Savar as part of this campaign.
