Samajtantrik Mahila Forum and some likeminded garment workers’ rights bodies at separate rallies in the capital on Friday called on the government to sanction more allocations in the budget for distressed women and garment workers. Samjtantrik Mahila Forum and garment workers’ right bodies held the rallies in front of National Press Club to press home their demands. SMF president Raushan Ara Russo, for the development of distressed women of the country, demanded more allocation in the budget for fiscal year 2016-17. She also demanded evaluation of demotic works of the women and fixing its value in the gross domestic product. Shamsunnahar Jotsna, advisory council member of the organisation, demanded specific allocation in the budget for setting up rehabilitation centres for poor women in villages. Raushan Ara Russo chaired the function, while the forum’s general secretary Shampa Basu, central leaders Rukhsana Afroz and Jesmin Akter addressed among others. At another rally, Bangladesh Apparel Workers Federation president Touhidur Rahman urged the government to introduce foods rations for garment workers. Garment labour leaders Mahtab Uddin, Alamgir Roni, Tahmina Rahman, Bazlur Rahman Babul and others spoke at the rally.
