Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) Thursday handed over 40 cheques valued at Tk 1,00,000 each to the relatives of the workers who died in accidents during working time recently.

Dead worker’s father, mother, sister, wife or brother received cheques from the president of BGMEA, Shafiul Islam Mohiuddin.

The apex trade body of the apparel sector also provided scholarship and educational accessories to the brilliant children of their workers. In addition, it has given evaluation certificates to prudent workers of the industry.

The apparel body provided those through a programme held at the BGMEA auditorium in the city.

Chief Executive Officer of Boishakhi Television Monzurul Ahsan Bulbul and vice-presidents of BGMEA Faruk Hasan and Siddiqur Rahman were also present.

The relatives of 40 deceased workers have been provided cheques worth Tk 100,000 each while 90 meritorious children and 50 skilled workers have got scholarship and evaluation certificate respectively.

Speaking at the programme Monzurul Ahsan Bulbul said apparel sector is not only contributing to the economy of the country, but it has also created a very positive image to the overseas countries.

He also thanked the garments owners for providing insurance money and educational assistance. "I hope the initiatives will encourage other stakeholders to come forward for humanitarian activities," he added.

According to BGMEA law, the inheritor of a worker who will die from industry accident would receive Tk 0.1 million as compensation.

Shafiul Islam Mohiuddin said the readymade garment industry acts as the backbone of Bangladesh economy. The industry contributes more than 10 per cent to GDP (gross domestic product).

This sector has employs 3.6 million people directly, 80 per cent of them women; and it accounts for 77 per cent of country's export earning, Mr Mohiuddin said.