Mahdi Amin, Education Policy and Research Adviser to the Prime Minister has said ensuring workers’ rights, welfare and empowerment remains a key priority for the government.
Speaking at a May Day programme at the China Friendship Conference Centre in Dhaka on Friday morning, he said the labour force is the main driver of development, prosperity and progress in any country.
Industry, agriculture and infrastructure are built on workers’ efforts, which ultimately shape a strong economy, he said. Improving living standards, ensuring fair rights, workplace safety and social dignity must remain central to governance, he said.
Mahdi Amin said labour-friendly policies, employment expansion and welfare initiatives can bring meaningful change to workers’ lives. He said Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman recognised workers as a key force in national development and initiated overseas employment, particularly in the Middle East, which continues to support the economy.
He said previous BNP governments introduced labour law reforms, formed the Wage Commission, set minimum wages for garment workers and established the Labour Welfare Foundation.
Programmes for healthcare and education of workers’ families were also introduced, contributing to the growth of the ready-made garment sector, he said.
The government is committed to worker welfare by complying with 39 International Labour Organization conventions and one protocol, he said.
Steps are being taken to ensure timely payment of wages, regular wage reviews and equal pay for men and women, he said. An initiative is also underway to introduce an expatriate card to safeguard migrant workers’ interests.
“A prosperous and humane Bangladesh depends on ensuring the security, dignity and welfare of workers,” said Prime Minister’s Adviser on Labour and Employment Affairs Mahdi Amin.
He said future plans will prioritise the empowerment of youth and women alongside the wider workforce, focusing on skill development and safe working environments.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin, Prime Minister’s Political Adviser and Bangladesh Nationalist Party Standing Committee Member Nazrul Islam Khan, Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury, International Labour Organization Country Director, labour leaders and industrial entrepreneurs attended the programme.
