Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader on Monday called upon the factory owners not to retrench workers during the global coronavirus pandemic.
“The workers brought profits to you in good times. Don’t lay off workers in these days of crisis. The retrenchment decision will provoke dissatisfaction as it will be like pouring water on a drowned mouse,” said the minister at an online briefing from his residence.
The minister urged all concerned including BGMEA to coordinate the issue considering the humanitarian aspect, reports UNB.
Quader requested the owners not to do business only but also show sympathy to the helpless people.
Referring to issue of charging extra fare from passengers of public transport, Quader said that although there are no complaints from long-distance public transports there are some complaints of fare hike in urban areas.
Owners, workers as well as passengers need to be aware of this, said the minister.
He urged the owners and workers to abide by the hygiene rules and not to take extra fare from the passengers.
The minister requested the staff of public and private hospitals to be humane in serving coronavirus and other patients.