Bangladesh Oil and Workers Federation Secretary General Mohammad Ayakub has expressed full confidence in Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s decision on allowing private-sector imports of refined petroleum products.Speaking at a rally in front of the Jamuna Oil Company Limited (JOCL) office in Agrabad on Monday, Ayakub said any decision on private fuel imports should prioritise national and public interests while protecting workers’ rights.We want Bangladesh to come first. We have no objection to the prime minister’s decision on this issue, he said.The rally was organised after a procession demanding an end to harassment of fuel-sector workers and the implementation of their rights. Employees of JOCL and other organisations under the fuel sector took part in the programme.Ayakub alleged that attempts were being made to reduce 22 existing benefits enjoyed by workers of companies under Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC). He also accused the authorities of delaying a new bilateral agreement on workers’ salaries and benefits.According to the workers’ leaders, the latest bilateral agreement expired nearly 19 months ago, but a new agreement has yet to be reached.They also raised concerns over a draft policy aimed at revising fringe benefits and an initiative to monitor the activities of workers’ organisations in fuel marketing companies.Ayakub called for an end to what he described as unnecessary interference and urged the authorities to ensure a workplace free from harassment.He also demanded priority in recruitment for workers who have long been employed by contractors on a “no work, no pay” basis.The meeting was chaired by JOCL Labour Union President Abul Hossain.