Over 500 Domestic Workers Demand Recognition as Workers

Dhaka, 05 March 2024: Over 500 domestic women workers demanded recognition as ‘workers’ and inclusion in the Labor Act of the ‘Domestic Workers Protection and Welfare Policy 2015’. On 05 March, Tuesday at the Krishibid Institute Auditorium, domestic workers made this call at the ‘National Conference of Domestic Workers 2024’; organized by Oxfam in Bangladesh and other partner organizations.

In the conference, Dr. Shamsul Alam, Former State Minister, Ministry of Planning joined this conference as chief guest. Along with him, freedom fighter and former member of Parliament Shirin Akhter participated as a special guest. Ashish Damle, Country Director of Oxfam in Bangladesh gave the welcome speech, and the event was presided over by Dr. Dibalok Singha, Executive Director, Dustha Shasthya Kendra (DSK).

Chief guest Dr. Shamsul Alam said, ‘The government is developing the country in various ways. This government is also sensitive to domestic workers. Formulating the Domestic Workers Protection and Welfare Policy 2025 proves that this government is serious about the protection of domestic workers. I think domestic workers are still neglected. They get minimum leave, sleep in the kitchen even tortured and killed. It is a huge humanitarian struggle to bring domestic workers from an inhuman life to ensure proper rights. I agree with the demand for recognition of domestic workers as workers and inclusion in labor laws. Domestic worker policy is not being properly monitored.’

He also said, ‘I am demanding and requesting to the present Hon’ble labor minister to discuss about the implementation of the policy in the upcoming parliament session. Not only that, but there are also about 4 million domestic workers in the country. The government can think about and plan a project for this huge workforce to properly train them.’

Shirin Akhter said, ‘Domestic workers don’t have any leave, no fixed work time, no appointment letter, health facilities even the minimum wage. They face sexual and physical and mental harassment. They have no social status and no recognition of work as a profession.’

At this conference, many domestic workers from Dhaka discussed their struggles in terms of their rights, harassment, and lack of leave and minimum wages.

Mentionable that, according to the Institute of Labor Studies- 33 domestic workers killed in 2022. From 2021-2022; a total of 341 domestic workers have been killed and wounded 321 domestic workers. Along with domestic workers and mentioned guests, representatives from UCEP, the Canadian High Commission of Bangladesh and Oxfam in Bangladesh participated. – Press release