They said the reform is needed to protect industries and maintain uninterrupted production in mills and factories.

The regional rally was organised by Karmojibi Nari (KN), an initiative for working women, at Uttara in the city.

Speaking as chief guest, KN President Shirin Akhtar called for introducing a social security programme to ensure alternative employment opportunities for women workers.

She also called for 20 percent maternity allowance, uniform wages for male and female workers, special laws to stop sexual harassment of women at their workplaces, and formation of national disaster management fund.

Shirin urged the government to ensure a fair working environment by ensuring minimum wages and introducing provident fund and gratuity for retrenched workers.

Chaired by Uttara Field Organiser Syeda Selina Shely, the rally was also addressed by Project Director Alok Sarkar and Uttarkhan Union Parishad Chairman Kamaluddin.