Several trade unions called upon the government to provide them food and financial supports during the lockdown period imposed to contain the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
They also requested the government to allocate special allowances for the workers engaged in loading and unloading of essential commodities and emergency medical goods.
They said thousands of labourers in different sectors have been passing their days without jobs for about nearly one month due to the outbreak of COVID-19 disease.
They urged the government to strictly monitor the distribution relief materials in order to curb irregularities.
Bangladesh Noujan Sramik Federation (BNSF) President Shah Alam Bhuiyan and General Secretary Chowdhury Ashiqul Alam in a joint statement on Tuesday said the workers in the sector have been doing their jobs even when most of the people in the country are staying indoors.
They demanded that the river vessel owners immediately pay monthly salaries and other dues to the workers so that they could look after their families.
They requested the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to announce cash incentives, risks allowances and health insurance for river-vessels.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh Sawmills Sramik Federation (BSSF) also called upon the government to ensure means of livelihood for the workers.
BSSF President Md Khalilur Rahman and General Secretary Rajat Biswas in a joint statement said thousands of workers have been left jobless after the declaration of general holidays by the government on March 26 which has pushed them into extreme financial hardships.
They said many sawmill owners shut down their businesses without paying wages.
They requested the prime minister to announce financial and commodity support so that they could get through these challenging times.
