Labour rights activists at a dialogue on Tuesday urged the government to formulate a national strategy for a just energy transition in the readymade garment sector to prevent unexpected job losses.
The Safety and Rights Society, in collaboration with OXFAM, organised the citizen dialogue at a hotel in the capital鈥檚 Karwan Bazar.
Labour Reform Commission chairman Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmed said that energy transition was inevitable and ensuring it was just remained a challenge.
鈥業n any situation, workers bear the brunt of changes and there should be a proper mechanism in place to protect workers鈥� rights,鈥� he said.
He called for workers鈥� participation in the transition process and the rehabilitation of those affected by it.
Shafiqul Alam, lead energy analyst at the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, noted that there were widespread concern about and a lack of confidence in the just energy transition in industries.
He, however, argued that if the government properly planned the transition, it could generate more jobs instead of causing job cuts.
He urged the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association to play a key role in upholding workers鈥� rights during this transition.
Sekender Ali Mina, executive director of the Safety and Rights Society, stressed that shifting from fossil fuels to renewable energy was crucial for environmental sustainability.
鈥榃e want this transition to be just, and workers should not bear the burden,鈥� he said.
Samsuddoha, executive director of the Centre for Policy Research and Development, highlighted the importance of an inclusive national strategy that benefits all stakeholders.
He suggested that the government should negotiate with the international community for grant-based financing to support the transition.
Asma Jahan Huque, managing director of Prokaushali Sangsad Ltd, pointed out that there were multiple sources of green energy.
鈥楤angladesh should explore diverse renewable energy options, including solar, wind, and biomass,鈥� she said.
Razekuzzaman Ratan, president of Samajtantrik Sramik Front, criticised factory owners for prioritising expenses on energy and raw materials while questioning fair wages for workers.
鈥榃e have many LEED-certified factories, but not a single factory that is truly worker-friendly,鈥� he said.
Trade union leaders, labour rights advocates, and green activists also spoke at the event.