Karmojibi Nari, an organisation of working women, yesterday demanded arrest and exemplary punishment to those responsible for the death of a newborn baby at a garments factory.

Bilkis Akhter, a worker of Chittagong Young International BD Garments, gave birth to the baby at her workplace at the end of last month, but the baby did not survive. Bilkis was forced to work during her pregnancy, as she was not allowed to go on maternity leave.

The Karmojibi Nari formed a human chain at Muktangoan in the city in protest against the incident and demanded four-month paid

maternity leave for the women workers.

It also demanded immediate measures to set up childcare centres and ensure maternal safety at workplaces.

"It is a clear violation of labour law and the ILO convention," said Shirin Akhter, president of the organisation, at the programme.

She also called on the authorities to trace the victim as she went missing after the incident, and provide treatment facilities and adequate compensation to her.

Karmojibi Nari leaders Rokeya Rafique Baby, Arifa Akhter Anu, Sabnam Hafiz and Firoza Begum also spoke.