The committee will take steps to provide alternative job opportunities and compensation to the garment workers who may lose jobs after MFA phase out, they told the seminar on RMG sector and post-MFA issues, organised by Incidin Bangladesh.

The labour leaders, mostly from readymade garment (RMG) sector, stressed the need for launching a united platform of trade unions of all related sectors or industries to protect the workers' rights and ensure their compensations.

The post-MFA era could be a disaster for the garment sector of Bangladesh, Wajedul Islam Khan of Sramik Karmachari Oikya Parishad (SKOP) said.

"The government alone cannot face the post-MFA challenges. If a joint national committee comprising industry owners and trade union leaders is formed, it would be able to handle the issue appropriately," he suggested.

Khan however said setting up of backward linkage industries is very much important for the garment sector to sustain in the competitive era after 2004.

Another SKOP leader Abul Bashar said the trade unions need to unite all the RMG workers under a single platform. "Then the workers can create pressure on the government and factory owners to get the facilities."

Shirin Akhter of Bangladesh Jatiya Sramik Jote proposed to set up a special fund that will provide compensation to the workers.

Bangladesh Poshak Shilpa Sramik Federation leader Tauhid Rahman said most of the RMG workers do not understand the post-MFA issues. He suggested undertaking an awareness building project for them.

Masud Ali of Incidin Bangladesh made a multimedia presentation on 'Bangladesh RMG Sector: Review of employment and compensation status of the workers in the post-MFA phase' at the seminar held at Cirdap auditorium.