Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus called on workers and employers to join hands in building a “new Bangladesh,” underscoring that such transformation is only possible through collective efforts and meaningful labour reforms.

Speaking at an event at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center to mark International Workers’ Day and National Occupational Health and Safety Day, Prof Yunus said the July 2024 mass uprising — driven by the sacrifices of students, workers, and ordinary citizens — had sparked a national aspiration for change.

“This new Bangladesh cannot be realised if workers continue to face the same conditions as before,” he said, stressing that the recommendations of the Labour Reform Commission must be implemented without delay.

“This is both our responsibility and our opportunity,” he added.

The Chief Adviser noted that the report was drafted with the participation of all stakeholders and highlighted its importance in establishing a fair and inclusive labour environment. 

He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to workers’ welfare, fair recognition, and social protection.

He stressed that workers and employers are not adversaries but partners in national development, and expressed confidence that their unity would pave the way for a stronger, self-reliant Bangladesh.

Other speakers included Labour Adviser Brig Gen (retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hussain, Labour Reform Commission Chair Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmed, and ILO Bangladesh Country Director Tuomo Poutiainen.

Prof Yunus later handed out awards and financial assistance to workers’ families.

SMS/