Savar (Dhaka): Garment workers of Savar and Ashulia industrial areas have started returning home happily despite pains on their face caused by Covid pandemic and floods. Lakhs of workers live in Savar and Ashulia. Although many people are busy working here throughout the year in search of livelihood, they want to return home in Eid. So they are running to the village by bus or pickup only after getting leave.
After the start of the corona pandemic, the workers could not return to the village on Eid-ul-Fitr due to the closure of public transport and undeclared lockdown. However, this time, even though the holiday is less, as the public transport is running, one by one they are going out with their bags. Even with the risk of life, this time they have to celebrate Eid with the family. So even though the fare was high, the people have started for home happily left by bus and truck-pickup.
On Thursday (July 30) afternoon, Savar's Nabinagar, Bypile and Savar bus stands were visited, and found that the pressure of homebound people is increasing at the bus stands. Many of them are returning home in trucks or pickups as the price of bus tickets has gone up.
As the factory was closed, Aklima left for the village with a smile on her face. She will go to his village home in Bugra. Talking to her, she said that the factory authorities have given her three days leave. Eid is a holiday with very few days off. I am going to the village to celebrate Eid with my parents knowing that the journey would cost a lot of money and trouble. Now I will get in the bus as soon as I get the ticket.
Another worker, Taslima, said the bus fare was a bit high. How can I pay so much rent? So I am going to Rangpur village house in pickup van costing Taka 900. There are no health rules in buses or trucks. Then why should I go by bus with more money. I couldn't go home in last Eid. I left my young children in the village and worked in a garment factory here. I can see my children’s face twice a year. This time I will be able to see the children’s face, even if only for a short time. Even if it is hard, it is a satisfaction.
Bus driver Awlad said, we are still in this line in the hope of Eid. Otherwise I would have changed my profession. For the last 4 to 5 months we have not eaten. I will be able to continue with this Eid income for a few days. If we remain unemployed no one takes the news. We have increased the fair only so we take more than two Taka Eid bonuses. We are picking up passengers in compliance with health rules. We are not pressurizing all to pay hiked fair just we want that the passengers in their joy moment give us something extra to help us.
The ticket counter master of Nabinagar bus stand said that the passenger pressure is comparatively less as in the pre-Eid moment. However, after the factory is closed, the passenger pressure will increase a lot. Since many people could not return home in last Eid, I think everyone will return home as the transports are running this time. So long we passed our days half fed. On the occasion of Eid, I am trying to be satisfied with what Allah will provide. The extra fair is not being kept from any worker.
Khairul Mamun Mintu, organizing secretary of the Garment Workers Trade Union Center, said about 50 per cent of the factories had gone on work stoppage on July 29. Even after that, the number of workers returning home is less. As all the factories are closed today, the light pressure may increase. However, many people do not go home thinking of health risks. Moreover, many workers are returning home on motorbikes. On way back, he is taking another person with fair. This time, even though the passenger pressure is less, I think the workers are returning home with risk and extreme suffering.