DHAKA: Some 142 domestic helps were killed in last three months across the country, said National Domestic Women Workers Union (NDWWU).

Main coordinator of International Domestic Workers Federation (IDWF) Abul Hossain highlighted the information in a press conference at Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) in the city on Monday.

NDWWU organized the program in support of Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST) and IDWF.

Abul Hossain said the domestic helps killing and torture incidents have been increasing day by day in the country especially in city’s aristocrat areas including Gulshan, Banani, Uttara and Dhanmondi.

Due to the lake of proper act, the oppressed domestic helps deprived from justice, he added.

Even, the International Lobour Organization (ILO) 189 convention has not been followed in Bangladesh. As a result, the repressed workers do not get justice in abroad.

The organization also declared mass signature campaign from January 27 to formulate effective act and rule for domestic helps’ rights, respect, security and welfare.

The speakers said a national advisory meeting will also be held on March 8 besides the mass signature campaign where national politicians, workers leaders, human rights activists, civil society members, representatives from India, Sri Lanka, IDWF and ILO.

The speakers in the conference alleged that the incumbent government delaying to approve the ‘domestic helps welfare security rule’ though its draft is ready.

They also demanded punishment of the culprits those tortured the housemaids.

General secretary Murshida Akhter and president Anjuman Ara Begum of NDWWU, project director Kalpana Rani Basu of BLAST, among others, were present in the program.

BDST: 1430 HRS, JAN 19, 2014