Dhaka: Brigadier General (retd.) Dr M Sakhawat Hussain today emphasized the vital role workers play in the economic development of the country, announcing that the government has committed to fulfilling all reasonable demands and needs of workers. He made these remarks at a workers’ rally organized to commemorate the July Uprising, declaring that “all the reasonable demands of the workers will be accepted.”
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr. Sakhawat highlighted the government’s efforts to address worker dissatisfaction in alignment with the Labour Law 2006. He noted that the Ministry of Labor and Employment is actively collaborating with both workers and employers. While acknowledging that some unscrupulous owners are creating challenges, he also recognized the positive contributions made by many employers.
The adviser reiterated the interim government’s commitment to ensuring the rights, security, and welfare of workers, mentioning ongoing efforts to amend labor laws, ensure fair wages, provide safe working conditions, and enhance worker skills. He also noted Bangladesh’s strong advocacy for worker welfare at the recent International Labour Organization (ILO) conference in Geneva.
Dr. Sakhawat stated that trade union registration has been made compulsory if there are five or more workers in any establishment, and no industrial establishment will be allowed to blacklist a trade union. He added that social clubs will also be brought under the purview of labor law.
He commended the significant contributions of workers in agriculture, industry, garments, and export sectors, acknowledging their role in keeping the country’s economy robust. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of remittances from expatriate workers in strengthening the economy.
The rally was attended by Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhtar, Primary and Mass Education Adviser Professor Dr Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar, Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Adviser Sharmin S Murshid, Special Assistant to the Chief Advisor Lieutenant General (Retd) Abdul Hafiz, and Dhaka Divisional Commissioner Sharaf Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury, among others, with Labour and Employment Secretary AHM Shafiquzzaman presiding over the event.
Financial assistance was later provided to 17 workers and their families, as well as to the families of those killed and injured during the July mass uprising.