Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies-BILS, on the demand to ensure eight hours of work, rest and holidays for the workers, organised a number of events on May 1, 2019 in the capital.

Under the initiative of Domestic Workers Rights Network (DWRN) a domestic workers’ gathering was organized at Paltan area at 9 am in the morning. In addition, BILS and CARE Bangladesh organised a domestic workers human chain and rally at 10 am at Paltan intersection. Besides, human chains and rallies were held under the initiative of Narayanganj Cluster of BILS FNV Project. Apart from this, a temporary information center was set up at the initiative of BILS. Various publications related to labour rights were distributed from the information center. On the other hand, a rally was organized in BILS initiative at Joyra Bus Stand area of ​​Manikganj demanding the protection of migrant workers. Besides, human chain and rally were organized in Savar Bus Stand area under the initiative of Savar Cluster of BILS FNV Project.

BILS Advisory Council Member Mesbahuddin Ahmed, Shah Mohd. Abu Zafar and Naimul Ahsan Jewel, Vice Chairman Anwar Hossain, Executive Committee member Shakil Akhter Chowdhury, Pulak Ranjan Dhar and Abdul Wahed, Jatiya Garhostho Nari Sramik Union  Adviser Abul Hossain, Bangladesh Metal, Chemical, Garments and Workers’ Federation President Shahidullah Badal, BILS Program Director Kohinoor Mahmood and Nazma Yesmin along with more than 200 workers from different parts of Dhaka city including BILS and national trade union federation leaders and human rights activists, civil society representatives, students, researchers and newsmen were present in these events.

Speakers demanded the implementation of Domestic Workers Protection and Welfare Policy-2015 as well as to ensuring their welfare, fair wages and compensation.