Dhaka: State Minister for Labour and Employment M Mujibul Huq on Wednesday said the government is with female workers in their movement for parity and dignity.

The present government is giving the highest importance to empowerment of women, he said speaking at a conference of female workers at the Institution of Engineers auditorium in Dhaka.

The function was held on the occasion of the founding anniversary of ‘Narisramik Kantho’, a platform of 35 women organisations.

The state minister said the women leaders would not need any movement to establish their rights, if the present government continues in office for the next few terms as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is struggling for them.

He said the government is setting up training centres at Savar, Ishurdi and Chittagong with World Bank assistance for the development of female workers.

He added that the government has made a fund of Taka 16 crore taking contributions from garment factory owners for the welfare of workers.

The state minister said the ministry for labour and manpower has formed another welfare fund for workers amounting to 200 crore taking 5 percent of profits made by factory owners as per the labour law.

Presided over by Narisramik Kantho Convener Shirin Akter, MP, the function was attended by ILO Country Director Srilivash B. Reddi, German-based Fredrikh Abart Stiftang resident representative Francisca Corn, Jatiya Sramik Jote President Mesbah Uddin Ahmed and Narisramik Kantho Advisers Dr. Protima Paul and Sultan Uddin Ahmed as special guests.

Sammilita Garments Sramik Federation President Nazma Akter read out a declaration at the conference.