Sangsad Bhaban: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday told the Jatiya Sangsad that present government has taken initiative for a comprehensive study on garment sector to ascertain the tasks of the public and private sector to flourish.

In a written reply to a question from independent member Mohammad Fazlul Azim in the House, the Prime Minister said the government is completely aware of the problems and prospects of the garments sector which is the lifeline of the country's economy.

A number of ministries and organizations are linked with the sector, which should work in a coherent way to consolidate the sector, she said.

The Prime Minister said she confidently believe that prosperity of the garment sector depends on safety and security of the workers, and execution of the compliance measures.

"But, there is no statistics on this sector and defining the areas where we as well as private sector should work," she said the study will identify the problems of the sector and make recommendations to the government about its duties.

The Prime Minister said, considering the importance of the garments sector, the government has announced new wages structure for the workers when their salaries has been enhanced average 82 percent. This wage structure has been executed from November 1, 2010.

She said the government with the support of the World Bank has initiated a project for giving training to 14,400 women garment workers in the next three years.

A Taka 4.34 crore welfare fund is being implemented under the Ministry of Labour and Employment for welfare of the garment workers, she said adding under the project the garment workers of 450 factories are being provided training on healthcare awareness.

Laying importance on execution of compliance measures for overall improvement of the working environment of the garment sector, the Prime Minister said two task forces and 15 teams are working in this regard.

Ends/AMA/13/02/13