CA Urges Workers and Owners to Unite in Building a New Bangladesh

Chief Adviser Calls for Unified Effort to Build a New Bangladesh

Reaffirming the interim government’s unwavering commitment to building a new Bangladesh, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today urged both workers and employers to unite in this national mission.

Speaking at a May Day and National Occupational Health and Safety Day 2025 event at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center, Prof Yunus emphasized that the vision for a new Bangladesh—born from the sacrifice of students, workers, and ordinary citizens during the July 2024 mass uprising—cannot be achieved if the conditions of workers remain unchanged.

“This aspiration is both our responsibility and a unique opportunity,” he said, noting that such collective determination had never before taken root in the country.

The Chief Adviser underscored the critical importance of implementing the Labour Reform Commission’s recommendations, stating that meaningful progress is impossible without them. “We must act immediately on the urgent proposals and will move forward with the more challenging ones in due course,” he added.

Labour and Employment Adviser Brig Gen (retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hussain, Labour Reform Commission Chairman Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmed, and ILO Country Director Tuomo Poutiainen also spoke at the event, presided over by Labour Secretary AHM Shafiquzzaman.

Prof Yunus noted that the commission’s report was the result of wide consultation and inclusive dialogue, and that its implementation is a shared national duty. If executed properly, he said, it would lay the foundation for the new Bangladesh.

Reflecting on the significance of May Day within the context of the recent uprising, he paid tribute to workers and others who gave their lives in the struggle for justice. This year’s theme, “Workers and owners united; Let’s rebuild this country anew,” is not just a slogan, he said, but a blueprint for sustainable development.

“The contributions of workers across sectors—RMG, agriculture, transport, construction, and technology—are indispensable. Their diligence, combined with the investment and leadership of owners, drives productivity and growth,” he added.

Prof Yunus reiterated the government’s commitment to social protection and fair recognition of workers, as well as to creating pathways for them to become entrepreneurs. He noted Bangladesh’s adherence to international labour standards through cooperation with the ILO, the EU, and the US.

Among recent initiatives, he highlighted amendments to the Labour Act 2006, reforms in labour courts, and efforts to resolve disputes through dialogue, which have significantly reduced unrest.

A recorded message from ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo was also played. Earlier, Prof Yunus distributed awards for essay, journalism, and photography competitions, and presented financial aid cheques to families of five deceased workers.