Dhaka, Aug 13: At least 141 people were killed in Bangladesh and 268 others injured during the first half of this year because of occupational and health hazards at work, a survey said today. The private Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies (BILS) said the survey was based on reports published in 13 national newspapers from January until June this year.

The highest number of deaths - 37 - were recorded in the transport sector, followed by 31 in the construction sector, while the rest were in other industries, including chemicals, it said.
Most of the injuries were in textile and cigarette-making factories, where 50 workers were hurt in accidents, followed by the construction sector which had 45 injuries.
BILS, which blamed the deaths on "extremely poor" working conditions and safety facilities, said the casualties could be reduced by increasing awareness among workers and improving working environments.
Bureau Report