Dhaka: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday emphasized the critical role of workers in driving a nation’s development, prosperity, and progress, asserting that safeguarding their rights and welfare is a top government priority. He delivered this message on the occasion of International Workers’ Day (May Day), underscoring the government’s commitment to improving workers’ living standards and ensuring their social dignity through fair wages and safe working environments.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Tarique Rahman expressed optimism that labour-friendly policies, expanded employment opportunities, and welfare initiatives would bring significant positive changes to the lives of workers. He referenced former president Ziaur Rahman’s belief in the workers’ contribution to national prosperity and development, noting that the policies and reforms introduced by Ziaur Rahman have laid a strong foundation for workers’ welfare.
Highlighting the historical context, the Prime Minister noted that former president Ziaur Rahman had created overseas labour markets, particularly in the Middle East, making expatriate workers a crucial component of Bangladesh’s economy. He emphasized that whenever the BNP government has been in power, it has prioritized workers’ welfare through labour law reforms, the formation of a wage commission, and the establishment of a workers’ welfare foundation, among other initiatives.
Continuing the legacy of Shaheed president Ziaur Rahman and former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the current government’s dedication to securing workers’ rights and ensuring their political, economic, and social security. This includes maintaining a safe working environment and upholding Bangladesh’s commitment to international labour standards by ratifying 39 conventions and one protocol of the International Labour Organization (ILO).
Prime Minister Rahman concluded by expressing his belief that a prosperous, self-reliant, democratic, and humane Bangladesh can only be achieved by guaranteeing the safety, dignity, and welfare of workers. He extended heartfelt greetings to all workers, both domestically and abroad, acknowledging their contributions to the nation’s development and wishing success for all May Day programmes.