Pharmaceutical representatives call for stricter enforcement of labour laws
Their grievances include undefined working hours, lack of weekends and public holidays
Representatives from various pharmaceutical companies in Bangladesh formed a human chain in front of the National Museum in Shahbagh today (19 October), with three-point demand, including the implementation of labour laws in their workplaces.
The protest was organised under the banner of the "Pharma Job Reform Movement."
Their demands also include the establishment of a trade union for pharmaceutical companies and an end to irregularities, unethical, and inhumane practices within the industry.
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Shafiq Rahman, a coordinator of the Pharma Job Reform Movement, emphasised the importance of labour law implementation, stating that it would address 70-75% of their demands.
He urged employers to comply with these laws to ensure fair working conditions.
Zafar Ahmed, another leader of the protest, said, "Upon joining, employees faced harassment, including being forced to submit blank bank cheques, sign illegal contracts, and hand over original certificates. We want workplaces to be free from such irregularities."
Another leader Nuruzzaman said division among workers is creating a gap with the company's management.
"If we had a trade union, we could engage with company owners to address these issues. However, without one, our problems are only growing," he said, emphasising the urgent need to form unions in the pharmaceutical sector.
Belal Ahmed, adviser of the Pharma Job Reform Movement, highlighted the significance of the industry, noting, "This is the second-largest and second-most-profitable sector in the country. The very representatives driving its development are the ones facing the most discrimination."
He added, "There are no clear policies for the employees in this sector. They are forced to take photos of patients' medical records, denied weekly leave and public holidays, and work 16-17 hours a day. These irregularities and human rights violations have pushed them to join this peaceful movement. The government must recognise their non-violent protests, engage with the companies that have accepted their demands, and resolve these issues as soon as possible."
Representatives from various organisations echoed these concerns, citing unethical, irregularities, and inhumane practices by pharmaceutical companies. Their grievances include undefined working hours, lack of weekends and public holidays, arbitrary terminations, being forced to photograph patient records, unrealistic sales targets, and stagnant wages with no annual salary adjustments.
