The Worst Victims of Hartal

DAY labourers are the worst victims of frequent hartals. Failing to get work in their villages, seasonal workers, mostly farm labourers from Kishoreganj, Rangpur, Bogra and many northern districts, rush to the capital in search of work. Construction workers, carpenters, painters, cleaners and other day labourers earn Tk 300 to Tk 600 a day depending on type of work. But whenever political parties call hartal, they hardly earn anything. Hundreds of workers are seen waiting to be hired at different spots in the capital including Progoti Sarani, Badda, Nayabazar, Mirpur and Panthapath. During hartal days, only a few of them get work but they are paid less than usual rates.

Photo: Anisur Rahman