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707 Workers Killed in Workplace, 113 in Abuse in 2024: Report
A recent survey by the Bangladesh Institute of Labor Studies (BILS) reveals that 707 workers lost their lives in workplace accidents and another 113 died due to abuse at work across the country in 2024. The findings, based on data from 13 national dailies between January 1 and December 15, 2024, highlight the ongoing and severe challenges faced by the workforce.
The report, titled BILS Newspaper-Based Survey on Bangladesh's Labor and Workplace Situation 2024, underscores the urgent need for systemic changes to ensure worker safety and rights.
According to the survey, the transportation sector suffered the highest number of fatalities, with 273 workers killed, followed by agriculture with 102 deaths and construction with 91. Other sectors reporting significant casualties include rickshaw pullers (43 deaths), migrant workers (38 deaths), and day laborers (32 deaths).
In addition to fatalities, 292 workers were injured in workplace accidents. The fisheries sector reported the highest number of injuries with 47 cases, followed by transportation (41 injuries) and construction (27 injuries).
Natural disasters also played a devastating role, with 55 workers, mostly from the fisheries sector, going missing. The types of accidents varied widely, including road crashes, building collapses, electrocution, fires, explosions, and maritime incidents.
The report also highlighted a disturbing trend of worker abuse, with 229 cases of mistreatment, including 113 fatalities. The most affected sectors were auto-rickshaw drivers, ready-made garment workers, and transport workers. Incidents of physical abuse, assault, and even suicides were reported. Notably, 44 auto-rickshaw drivers, 35 garment workers, and 25 transport workers were subjected to abuse in 2024.
The BILS report calls for immediate and robust action to improve workplace safety standards and labor rights protections to prevent such tragedies and ensure a safer, more dignified working environment for all.