Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir-File Photo

DHAKA, March 3, 2026 (BSS) - Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir today said that a large segment of Bangladesh's workforce still remains in the informal sector and stressed the need to gradually bring all sectors under a formal structure to ensure sustainable and balanced development.

The Minister made the remarks as a special guest at the 94th meeting of the Tripartite Consultative Council (TCC) and the 22nd meeting of the RMG-related Tripartite Consultative Council (RMG-TTC) held at CIRDAP International Conference Centre in the capital today, said a press release.

He said that although a significant number of workers are employed in the formal sector centering the readymade garment (RMG) industry, a substantial portion of the country's overall labour force is still engaged in informal activities.

"To place the country in a sustainable and balanced position, all sectors must gradually be brought under a formal framework," he said.

Muktadir noted that without formalising the labour sector, it would not be possible to ensure compliance with international standards or guarantee the rightful benefits of workers.

Highlighting government initiatives to support low-income people, he said preparatory work for the "Family Card" programme announced in the election manifesto is progressing rapidly. Under the initiative, one card will be provided to each eligible family, through which assistance worth Taka 2,500 per month will be extended.

Although it will not be a direct rationing system, the Family Card programme will largely fulfil the objective of a ration scheme and help ensure some degree of financial stability for low-income groups, he added.

The commerce minister also underscored the importance of holding TTC meetings regularly, saying that the industrial and labour sectors face various challenges and these can only be resolved through continuous dialogue and exchange of views.

Addressing the Labour Secretary, he urged ensuring regular meetings so that the objectives of the TTC are properly achieved.

Muktadir said debates or heated exchanges during discussions are a normal part of democratic dialogue and should not cause concern. "Sustainable solutions to problems are possible only through mutual dialogue," he added.

The meeting was chaired by Labour and Employment and Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury. State Minister for Labour and Employment and Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Md Nurul Haque and Prime Minister's Adviser Mahdi Amin also spoke as special guests.

Bangladesh Employers' Federation leader Fazle Hasan Shamim and TTC Vice-President Md Anwar Hossain also addressed the meeting.

The meeting reviewed the overall labour situation in the country, discussed effective steps to resolve labour unrest in the RMG sector, and deliberated on payment of wages and allowances as well as leave arrangements for workers ahead of the upcoming holy Eid-ul-Fitr.

Labour and Employment Ministry Secretary Md Abdur Rahman Tarafder conducted the session.

Leaders from both employers' and workers' sides were present at the meeting.