Editorial
Scourge of forced labour
HC order should make a difference
The High Court direction to the government to stop forced labour at brickfields and other enterprises not only comes as a relief but also brings to the fore the occupational hazards that vulnerable workers are exposed to.
We have heard of women and children being forced to work at different brickfields to the extent that their limbs are bound in chains to prevent them from escaping at their leisure time. Reports have it that employees of several brickfields in Savar and Bandarban were found in shackles. This brutal means of enslavement is an outright disdain shown to human rights and values.
The story of slavery does not end in the brick fields. There are reports of inhuman circumstances that child workers are made to labour in other enterprises. Underage boys and girls, some in their infancy, would be made to work as help in motor workshops, ship-building yards, market places, restaurants or as vendors.
These tender souls are often meted out harsh treatment. They are deprived of basic rights of proper food and security and also right to enjoy leave. They are exposed to dangers of fatalities due to slipshod arrangements at work places. Their compensation packages are next to nothing. They can hardly keep their body and soul together.
This is the worst kind of exploitation by the privileged class. These practices go against the very spirit of labour law along with universal declaration of human rights and provisions of international law.
The government should have the court directives implemented. It must come down hard on the errant employers who resort to such callous practices. It can immediately introduce strong mobile teams to monitor job and employment conditions at different work places.
Labour rights should be ensured and child labour banned. Any one found guilty of breaking the law should not be shown mercy, for this is an outright denial of human rights and dignity.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments