A recent survey by Centre for Disability in Development showed that only 0.3% garment factories incorporate disabled people. The statistics came out yesterday in a workshop organised by Handicap International. The survey was conducted in 91 garment factories. Of the 91, only 18 factories employ people with disabilities. In other statistics, it is found that over the last five years a total of 1,100 people with disabilities have joined different factories. But the speakers at the workshop urged for more actions to create more employment opportunities for persons with disabilities both in public and private sectors. Referring to the Bangladesh Rights and Protection of Persons with Disabilities Act 2013, they urged the owners of the RMG factories to include skilled workers with disabilities in the mainstream workforce. Kalpona Akter, executive director of Bangladesh Centre for Workers Solidarity, said after the deadly collapse of Rana Plaza and fire incident in Tazrin fashion, many disabled workers were denied jobs in other garment industries. Physically challenged Anil Kumer Bhowmic, director of Construction Department of Gonoshasthaya Kendra said: “Most of the workplaces have no walkway or ramp for the disabled people to use.” BGMEA Vice-President Mohammed Nasir said: “The BGMEA in a circular informed all factories and industries under BGMEA to recruit the Rana Plaza and Tazrin Fashion victims.
