Latest news with #SirajulHoque
Times of Oman
3 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Midday breaks for outdoor workers begin in Oman
MUSCAT: In a move to protect outdoor workers from extreme summer heat, the Ministry of Labour (MoL) has officially implemented a midday work ban at construction sites and other open-air work locations across Oman. The work ban began on Saturday, June 1, with workers prohibited from working between 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm in areas exposed to high temperatures. The annual regulation, which runs through the end of August, aims to safeguard the health and safety of labourers as temperatures soar beyond 45°C in many parts of the country. Companies violating the rule face penalties ranging from OMR 500 to OMR 1,000, according to the Ministry of Labour. 'This ministerial decision is in place to protect workers from the scorching heat during the summer, where temperatures can reach dangerously high levels,' said an official at the ministry. 'We urge all private sector establishments to strictly adhere to the regulation.' Companies adapt schedules As the midday break regulation comes into effect, many companies are proactively adjusting their work schedules to remain compliant while minimising productivity loss. 'We've decided to shift our operations to the evening to make up for the midday pause,' said Sirajul Hoque, manager of Al Isterbkar Trading, a Muscat-based contracting firm. 'Our staff will rest during the hottest hours and resume work after sunset when conditions are safer.' Others are opting for early straight shifts. 'We're starting our workday at 5:00 am and wrapping up by 12:00 pm, just before the break begins,' said a site supervisor with a major construction company. 'This allows our workers to return to their accommodation and avoid the peak heat.' International best practices in labour welfare — especially in GCC countries — indicate that similar midday bans are enforced during peak summer months. In the UAE and Qatar, for example, companies often rotate shifts, extend project timelines, or adopt evening work strategies to ensure compliance without compromising project goals. Workers welcome the relief For workers enduring harsh summer conditions, the midday break provides much-needed relief. 'This week has been especially brutal, with temperatures touching 50°C in some areas,' said Jasvwinder Singh, a 45-year-old construction labourer. 'We were really looking forward to this break so we can rest, hydrate, and recover during the hottest part of the day.' Worker welfare The Ministry of Labour and Ministry of Manpower have reiterated their call for companies to prioritise worker welfare and implement suitable time management solutions. Inspections will be carried out to ensure compliance.
Times of Oman
12-05-2025
- Times of Oman
Bangladesh Social Club Oman celebrates Bangla New Year
Muscat: Bangladesh Social Club Oman celebrated Bangla New Year 1432 on 9 May 2025 at Al Sawadi Water Park, in Barka. Thousands of Bangladeshi expatriates and family members gathered and enjoyed the day-long event with different traditional sports and cultural programmes. A large number of stalls displayed Bangladeshi traditional food, clothing and other items. Executive committee of Bangladesh Social Club had organised the event in support of its various wings. The programme was presided over by the Club Chairman Sirajul Hoque CIP. The Chief Guest, Ambassador Rear Admiral Khandakar Misbah ul Azim, addressed the gathering and conveyed his thanks to the Social Club for organising the event. He also extend his necessary support for the wellbeing of the community and advised the expatriates to abide by the local law. Bangladesh embassy officials Nurtaz Azim and Mohd. Rafiul Islam accompanied the ambassador. Iftakher Chowdhury CEO of Gulf Exchange, attended the event as a special guest. Social Club vice chairman Azimul Haque Babul CIP addressed the gathering as the convener of the event. The programme was also attended by the vice chairman Rezaul Karim CIP, Secretary General MN Amin, Joint Secretary Anwar Hossain, Abdur Rahim, Mohsin Sarkar, Md Sirajul Hoque CIP and other executive committee members, leaders and members of different Wings of Bangladesh Social Club. A large number of dignitaries, and community leaders including Sayed Manjur Islam, Nur Hossain and Issa Chowdhury also attended the event. The programme was anchored by Dr. Jannatun Nayem Juie and Engineer Farzana Rimi.
