Mahdi Amin said the government remains committed to protecting labour rights and ensuring workers’ welfare

Adviser to the Prime Minister on labour and employment, Mahdi Amin, has said the Prime Minister considers working people to be the main driving force behind a nation’s development, prosperity and progress.

He noted that industries, agriculture, infrastructure and overall economic strength are built on the relentless efforts of workers, and emphasised that improving their living standards, ensuring fair rights, safe working conditions and social dignity must be a top priority for any responsible government.

He made these remarks on Friday at a May Day event organised by the Ministry of Labour and Employment at the China-Bangladesh Friendship Exhibition Center in the capital.

Mahdi Amin, who holds responsibilities equivalent to a state minister, oversees several portfolios, including the ministries of Education, Primary and Mass Education, Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, and Labour and Employment.

At the beginning of his speech, he paid tribute to those who lost their lives during the Haymarket Affair in Chicago in May 1886, which played a pivotal role in establishing the eight-hour workday, as well as to workers around the world who have since struggled for their rights.

He said the martyred president and proclaimer of Bangladesh’s independence, Ziaur Rahman, viewed the labour force as central to national development. He highlighted Rahman’s initiatives, including opening overseas labour markets—particularly in the Middle East—which continue to make significant contributions to the economy.

The adviser added that successive Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) governments had taken key steps to improve workers’ welfare, such as reforming labour laws, forming wage commissions, implementing minimum wages for garment workers, and establishing welfare foundations, along with healthcare and education support for workers’ families.

He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, ensuring workers’ rights, workplace safety and socio-economic protection remains a priority.

Mahdi Amin also noted that Bangladesh has ratified 39 conventions and one protocol of the International Labour Organization (ILO), reflecting its commitment to upholding global standards in labour rights and welfare.

Following the Prime Minister’s directives, initiatives are underway to ensure timely wage payments, periodic wage reviews, equal pay for men and women, and protection for migrant workers. He also mentioned plans to introduce a ‘probashi card’ for expatriate workers.

“The Prime Minister has made it clear that safeguarding workers’ safety, dignity and welfare is essential for building a prosperous, self-reliant, democratic and humane Bangladesh,” he said.

He further stated that the first session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad marked a new milestone in democratic politics under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s leadership, reflecting a statesmanlike vision that places national interest above party lines.

The adviser said that although ideological differences exist between the BNP and other political parties—including on issues such as women’s empowerment—cooperation and collective efforts are essential to move the country forward, strengthen democracy and address public concerns.

He stressed that placing national interest above political divisions is a core principle of Bangladeshi nationalism, adding that the vibrant parliamentary session reflected the people’s aspirations through open debate, freedom of expression and a commitment to human rights.

Mahdi Amin said the government would continue reform efforts under the Prime Minister’s leadership, focusing on women’s empowerment, youth development and workers’ welfare. He underscored that ensuring employment, enhancing skills and maintaining safe working conditions would be key to sustainable development in Bangladesh.

The event was also attended by President Mohammad Shahabuddin, the Prime Minister’s political adviser and BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan, Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury, the ILO country director, as well as labour leaders and industrialists.