News Flash
DHAKA, May 1, 2026 (BSS) - Adviser to the Prime Minister on labour and employment Mahdi Amin today said the government is placing strong emphasis on workers' welfare, workplace safety and employment generation, recognising working people as the backbone of national development.
"Improving the living standards of working people is among the government's top priorities. We are advancing labour-friendly policies, expanding job opportunities and implementing welfare programmes," he said.
Mahdi Amin, also Prime Minister's adviser on education, primary and mass education, and expatriates' welfare and overseas employment, was speaking at a May Day discussion at the China-Bangladesh Friendship Conference Centre in the capital.
He described workers as the key drivers of economic growth and prosperity, noting that sectors such as industry, agriculture and infrastructure depend on their tireless contributions.
"Ensuring fair rights, safe working conditions, better living standards and social dignity for workers is a fundamental responsibility of any democratic and accountable government," he added.
The adviser said the current government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is prioritising labour welfare through policy support, job creation initiatives and strengthened social protection measures.
He said plans are being implemented to boost employment, improve workers' skills and ensure occupational safety, which would contribute to sustainable development in the coming years.
Referring to the first session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad, Mahdi Amin said active discussions on public issues, freedom of expression and human rights reflected growing public empowerment and democratic progress, adding that the trend would continue.
He also stressed that alongside women and youth, workers' empowerment would receive top institutional and policy focus.
Recalling the vision of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, he said the late leader believed that the labour force is central to development and prosperity.
Mahdi Amin said previous BNP-led governments had undertaken significant measures for workers, including labour law reforms, wage commissions, minimum wage setting for garment workers and establishment of welfare funds.
He added that Bangladesh has ratified 38 conventions and one protocol of the International Labour Organization, reaffirming its commitment to global labour standards.
The adviser said steps are underway to ensure timely wage payments, periodic wage reviews, equal pay for men and women and protection of migrant workers. Initiatives such as expatriate worker cards are also being introduced under the supervision of the labour ministry.
"Ensuring workers' safety, dignity and welfare will help build a prosperous, self-reliant and humane Bangladesh," he said, expressing optimism that collective efforts would help achieve development goals.
