The International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Bangladesh government have launched an initiative to make garment workers aware of their rights and responsibilities. A radio show was launched recently as a part of this initiative to help workers in the export-oriented readymade garment, leather and shrimp industries, to understand their rights and responsibilities in the workplace in a better manner. The one-hour radio talk show, a weekly, is titled ‘Amar Shrom Amar Odhikar (My Labour, My Rights)’. The show is being launched by the government in collaboration with the ILO and also supported by Norway.

Hasanul Haq Inu, Information Minister, believes that the show will attract a large number of listeners (workers) from across the country. He also feels it will boost understanding of basic labour issues to the benefit of both, workers and employers, by covering important issues in an interesting and informative manner. The show’s main targets are workers, supervisors and factory-level managers.

Srinivas B Reddy, ILO Country Director said the show will help improve industrial relationship in Bangladesh and they also plan to feature a variety of speakers including experts on labour rights, union leaders and other special guests who, he believes will really help listeners understand workplace issues that are important to them.

Listeners will be able to tune into the radio show in all major industrial areas such as Dhaka, Cox's Bazar, Khulna, Bogra, Chittagong, Sylhet, Barisal, and Mymensingh.