A large number of workers at different industries are suffering from malnutrition, they said.

Malnutrition can reduce the working capacity of workers and productivity by 20 percent while it is very important to ensure nutritious foods for the workers for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), they said.    

They came up with the remarks while addressing a sensitization meeting titled ‘Strengthening Workers’ Access to Pertinent Nutrition Opportunities (SWAPNO)’ at City Inn Hotel in Khulna, said a press release.

Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishment (DIFE) and Department of Labour in association with Switzerland-based organization ‘Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN)’ organised the event.      

State Minister for Labour and Employment Begum Monnujan Sufian attended the programme as the chief guest, while Talukder Abdul Khaleque, Mayor of Khulna City Corporation, as the special guest.

AKM Mizanur Rahman, Director General, Department of Labour, Dhaka; Dr Md Mustafizur Rahman, Joint Inspector General (Health), DIFE; Dr. Rudaba Khondker, Country Director, GAIN; Ismiel Hossain, Divisional Commissioner of Khulna; among others spoke.       

Also read: Over 10 mln children to suffer from acute malnutrition in 2021: UNICEF      

Moniruzzaman Bipul, Portfolio Lead, GAIN, presented the keynote paper.     

In her speech, Begum Monnujan Sufian said the government is committed to facing the challenge of malnutrition as it causes economic losses, hampering the national development.

The Minister said it is urgent to give attention to the issue of implementation of Plan of Action (2021 and 2041) and ensuring nutritious foods for the workers for achieving SDGs.

Also read: Unicef calls for action to prevent, treat malnutrition caused by COVID-19

She called for providing nutritious foods for workers at their work places along with raising awareness on nutrition for achieving the SDGs.

Besides, she called upon those who are engaged in production, processing, supplying and marketing of foods to consider the matter of nutrition.

The programme was informed that ensuring required nutrition among the workers can increase the national productivity by upto 20%. Only anaemia caused by iron deficiency among the workers is responsible for reducing productivity worth five billion US dollar in many South Asian countries.

Also read: Nearly half of RMG workforce malnourished: GAIN

Other speakers stressed on forming an Alliance aimed at bringing sustainable and positive change relating to nutrition in the country.