Dhaka: Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury announced the government’s commitment to continue tripartite cooperation among the government, employers, and workers to address labour-related issues and enhance opportunities in the sector. He made these remarks while presiding over a discussion commemorating May Day 2026 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre, where President Mohammed Shahabuddin was present as the chief guest.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister emphasized that the welfare of workers and the vision for a prosperous Bangladesh were integral to the state philosophy of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. He highlighted that the current government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is actively working to ensure workers’ rights, safety, healthcare, and a decent working environment.
Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury further noted that coordinated policy support played a crucial role in maintaining a stable labour situation during the last Eid-ul-Fitr, facilitating timely payment of wages, bonuses, and leave, enabling workers to celebrate Eid with their families. He mentioned that preparations for the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha are already underway through consultations with stakeholders.
He also stressed the importance of effective cooperation between workers and employers for successful implementation of labour welfare initiatives. During the programme, compensation cheques of Tk 2 lakh each from the Labour Welfare Foundation were distributed to the families of 13 workers who lost their lives in the Mirpur chemical warehouse fire.
Prior to the discussion, a vibrant May Day rally was led by the Labour Minister, commencing from the South Plaza of the National Parliament and concluding at the conference centre. The event was attended by Prime Minister’s advisers Nazrul Islam Khan and Mahdi Amin as special guests, along with ILO Bangladesh Country Director Max Tunon, Bangladesh Employers Federation President Fazle Shamim Ehsan, labour representative Anwar Hossain, and senior officials.