Mufti Syed Muhammad Faizul Karim, senior nayeb-e-ameer of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, has called for stronger state intervention to protect workers’ rights, saying labourers remain deprived and vulnerable under successive governments.
Speaking as the chief guest at a May Day workers’ rally organised by the party’s labour wing, he said the government should introduce a system of official identity cards for workers and ensure access to healthcare, food security and housing under state supervision.
Faizul Karim said workers have historically faced exploitation and urged authorities to prioritise their welfare through structured and institutional support.
Referring to the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election, he said his party had previously stepped away from political compromise in the interest of Islam. He alleged that while others engaged in “secret arrangements,” Islami Andolon Bangladesh maintained an open and transparent political stance.
He further claimed that his party does not engage in hidden political activities and has consistently prioritised ideological principles over power.
Commenting on parliamentary debates, he said the resurgence of discussions such as “Liberation War versus Razakar” is creating confusion among the public. He urged political forces to clearly define whether they support Sharia-based governance or the existing system, reiterating his party’s position in favour of Islamic Shariah.
Faizul Karim also alleged that past elections were influenced by compromise and seat-sharing arrangements, which he said weakened opposition roles. He claimed his party faced political setbacks due to its pro-Islamic stance.
He demanded the appointment of religious teachers from Qawmi madrasas in primary schools and alleged that a new “militant narrative” was being created in the country, calling for it to be stopped.
Other speakers at the rally echoed similar demands for labour rights and systemic reform. Senior Joint Secretary General Gazi Ataur Rahman criticised what he described as unfulfilled electoral promises and called for price control and improved stability.
Assistant Secretary General Sheikh Fazle Bari Masud said workers’ rights remain unprotected despite official observance of Labour Day, arguing that Islamic governance is necessary to ensure justice.
Party leaders at the event reaffirmed their commitment to establishing what they described as an Islamic labour system and strengthening organisational efforts for workers’ welfare.
