Dhaka: Reiterating the interim government’s firm determination to build a new Bangladesh, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today urged workers and owners to collaborate in the creation of this new vision. He made this appeal during a function at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center, commemorating the historic May Day and the National Occupational Health and Safety Day, 2025.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Chief Adviser emphasized the importance of cooperation between workers and owners, stating that the sacrifices made during the 2024 July mass uprising had sparked the aspiration of building a new Bangladesh. Prof Yunus highlighted that such a transformation would be impossible if the conditions of workers remained unchanged from those in the old Bangladesh. He described the aspiration of building a new Bangladesh as both a responsibility and a unique opportunity that had never before emerged in the country.
Prof Yunus stressed the necessity of implementing the recommendations of the Labour Reform Commission, describing them as crucial for the realization of the new Bangladesh. He noted the urgency of accomplishing these reforms immediately, after which the government would tackle more challenging proposals. The Chief Adviser confidently asserted that the journey towards a new Bangladesh had commenced and would continue.
The event featured speeches from Labour and Employment Adviser Brigadier General (retd) Dr. M Sakhawat Hussain, Labour Reform Commission Chairman Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmed, and International Labour Organization (ILO) Bangladesh Country Director Tuomo Poutiainen. Labour and Employment Secretary AHM Shafiquzzaman chaired the function.
Prof Yunus underscored that building a new Bangladesh was a collective responsibility, achieved through the involvement of all stakeholders in the Labour Reform Commission’s report. Implementing the commission’s recommendations was essential to laying the foundation for the new Bangladesh. He tied the historic significance of May Day to the July uprising, presenting it as a day with a renewed message for the nation.
The Chief Adviser also acknowledged the contributions of workers across various sectors, including ready-made garments, agriculture, transportation, construction, and technology. He emphasized the complementary relationship between workers and owners, believing that their joint efforts could lead to a strong, self-reliant, and progressive Bangladesh.
Prof Yunus reiterated the interim government’s commitment to ensuring fair recognition and social protection for workers, advocating for opportunities that could transform them into entrepreneurs. As a signatory of the International Labour Convention, Bangladesh is working towards elevating its labor standards to a global level, implementing collaborative roadmaps with the ILO, the European Union, and the US government.
The Chief Adviser detailed initiatives aimed at amending the Labour Act 2006 and enhancing the efficiency of labor courts. Recent efforts have led to the successful settlement of numerous cases in labor courts and tribunals. Additionally, government initiatives have substantially reduced labor unrest through consultations with workers and owners.
A recorded speech by ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo was also part of the occasion. The Chief Adviser concluded by distributing awards for essay, news report, and photography competitions, along with financial assistance cheques to the families of five workers.