Construction workers in Bangladesh have urged authorities to implement a rationing system and ensure fair compensation for families of workers who die in workplace accidents.

The Imarat Nirman Sramik Union Bangladesh (INSUB), the construction workers' trade body, made these demands during a rally in front of the Jatiya Press Club in Dhaka on Saturday.

At the rally, INSUB leaders presented a 12-point list of demands, including affordable housing, expansion of welfare programs, workplace safety, enforcement of workers' legal rights, and equal wages for female workers.

They also called for the establishment of labor courts in every district and upazila with a 42-day deadline for resolving labor disputes, as well as the inclusion of INSUB representatives in the National Industrial Health Council.

The union emphasized the hazardous conditions, low wages, and lack of social security faced by construction workers.

They demanded the creation of construction worker colonies nationwide, equipped with schools and medical centers for workers' families. INSUB also called for government-led training programs to facilitate fair employment opportunities abroad and reduce worker exploitation.

A key concern highlighted was the need for fair compensation, with INSUB advocating for a minimum of 1.5 million taka for fatalities or lifelong disabilities resulting from workplace accidents, in line with International Labour Organization Convention 121. They also urged the implementation of a worker registration system at all construction sites and strict enforcement of the government-declared minimum wage.

Speakers at the rally included Md Anwar Hossain, President of Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal; Abul Kalam Azad, General Secretary of the Bangladesh Trade Union Center; and Saleh Ahmed, General Secretary of the Sommilito Samajik Andolon.

They collectively called for immediate action to address the pressing issues faced by construction workers across the country.