Dhaka: Labor Reform Commission head Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmed today emphasized the potential for Bangladesh to become a dignified and powerful nation by enhancing labor rights. He made these remarks while addressing reporters at Labour Bhaban in Bijoy Nagar.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Labor Reform Commission earlier handed over its report to Chief Advisor Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna. The commission, formed on November 17, 2024, by the interim government, consists of 10 members with Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmed as its chief. Ahmed, who is also the executive director of the Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies (BILS), highlighted the importance of labor sector reforms in creating a society free from discrimination.
Ahmed stated that a fair transformation of the living standards of eight crore working people in Bangladesh could be achieved through the implementation of the recommendations outlined in the report. He reiterated the commission’s belief that strengthening labor rights is crucial for elevating Bangladesh’s status on the global stage.
The commission’s report encompasses 25 main recommendations that reflect the overall aspects of labor reform. Ahmed remarked on the aspirations stemming from the Liberation War and the student-led mass uprising in July-August 2024, which aimed to establish a dignified society based on justice and free from discrimination. In line with these aspirations, the interim government established the Labor Reform Commission to provide necessary reform recommendations to safeguard workers’ rights and welfare.
He emphasized that for the first time in the 54-year history of Bangladesh’s independence, a commission has been formed to address labor issues. The commission strongly believes that prioritizing labor and workers’ rights is vital to tackling existing inequalities in the labor sector of Bangladesh.