The trade union leaders and rights group urged the government to set a national standard of compensation measuring loss of future earnings, pains and sufferings in accidental deaths or injuries at the workplace. They also called for introduce both group and individual insurance to ensure compensation in case of accidents. They made the calls at a discussion on National Standard of Compensation for workplace deaths and injuries in Dhaka on Tuesday. Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies (BILS) and Sramik Karmachari Oikya Parishad (SKOP) jointly organised the discussion. “Based on the loss of future earnings, pains, sufferings and general damages, the government should set a national standard of compensation to ensure financial supports for the victims and their families,” said Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmed, executive director of BILS. Both formal and informal workers have to be brought under the package, he said. Syed Sultan Ahmed urged the government to consider the court verdicts on compensation in setting the amounts. State Minister for Labour and Employment Mujibul Haque asked the trade union leaders and rights group to place a “pragmatic” compensation proposal, which can be implemented. He said the labour rules would be made time-befitting to ensure workers getting benefits in line with the country’s socioeconomic condition. “A compensation of Tk1 lakh for victims is not enough while Tk15 lakh is also not a practical one for compensation,” said Mujibul. BILS called for a compensation of Tk15 lakh for accidental deaths or injuries. It also said treatment cost of injured workers should be provided by the owners. Syed Sultan Ahmed put emphasis on social dialogues for effective implementation of compensation packages. He also called for toughening punishment for those who will not abide by the compensation rules and package conditions. “It is very important to fix that who will compensate the victims,” he stressed.
