Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Anisul Huq on Sunday said the government would take stern action against those who will try to hinder law and order, reports BSS.
“Those who are trying to spoil the celebration of Golden Jubilee of country’s independence are surely not showing any respect or affection towards our motherland. Government is very aware about upholding the freedom of speech and press freedom. We would not stop any small section of the society from giving their speeches, but would take strong action if they try to hinder the law and order,” he said. The minister said these while talking to newsmen after inaugurating BEPZA Helpline for the laborers working in EPZ’s organised by Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) at the capital’s Green Road area. “Bangladesh is now a country of emerging economy in terms of foreign investment under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Bangladesh is the main attraction for investment in the world, considering geological location, easily available, productive and easily trainable manpower and moderate production cost. The government is working relentlessly to ensure investment-friendly situation to attract more and more investment,” he added.
The minister also appreciated BEPZA’s effort in launching the helpline for the EPZ laborers and launched the service by dialing the helpline number of 16128 and enquired about the facilities available. Presided over by BEPZA executive chairman Major General Md Nazrul Islam, the function was also addressed by Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Dr Ahmad Kaikaus, Labour and Employment Secretary KM Abdus Salam, Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Secretary Md Moinul Kabir, EU Ambassador Rensje Teerink and ILO country director Tuomo Poutiainen, among others.
Dr Ahmad Kaikaus said BEPZA is a unique organisation to uphold the rights of the workers. Praising the initiative of BEPZA of launching helpline for the EPZ workers he said, other industrial units and organisations will be inspired to take such initiatives for the welfare of the workers.
Mentioning the scenario of Savar and Ashulia areas of Dhaka before and after setting up EPZ he said, Dhaka EPZ transformed this area into an industrial belt. Mentionable, 423 thousand Bangladeshi nationals are working in different enterprises of EPZs under BEPZA up to February 2021. BEPZA has achieved USD 5,516 million investment and exported goods worth of USD 84,781 million since its inception.