Prime Minister's Labour and Employment Adviser Mahdi Amin spoke at a symposium at a city hotel on decent work and social protection. Photo : BSS

DHAKA, Sept 4, 2026 (BSS) - Prime Minister's Labour and Employment Adviser Mahdi Amin has expressed the government's firm determination to create a sustainable, safe and dignified working environment by generating opportunities for quality employment in the country.

"Enhancing skills of the workforce, institutionalizing the economy and ensuring the economic empowerment of women are the goals of the government," he told a symposium at a city hotel today.

Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies (BILS) organized the event titled "Future of Work: Decent Work and Social Protection for All." 

Mahdi, also prime minister's expatriates' welfare and overseas employment adviser, said the government is working to ensure that the country's workers can lead dignified lives with their fair rights and benefits while overcoming all the global and domestic challenges of the future. 

It is essential to maintain good relations between employers and workers and a stable, industry-friendly environment so that factories do not shut down for any undesirable reason, he said.

"We are firmly committed to providing all necessary support to keep factories operational rather than allowing them to close," he said.

Regarding the overall working environment, Mahdi said, "We want to build a working ecosystem where workplaces are safe, dignified and sustainable-one that will set an example both within the country and internationally."

Highlighting women's economic contributions, Mahdi said the government has taken groundbreaking initiatives, including the 'Family Card' programme to further strengthen women's participation and empowerment in the economy, particularly in the readymade garment sector. 

At the same time, specific policies are being implemented to ensure women-friendly workplaces and appropriate daycare facilities, he added.

Emphasizing the need to utilize the demographic dividend of the young population, he said multifaceted plans are underway to develop young people into skilled human resources and responsible citizens.

At the same time, effective measures are being taken to protect workers' rights by resolving various complexities in the labour laws of the past, said Mahdi.

Through its continuous activities over the past seven months, the government has set a unique example in protecting human rights, ensuring freedom of speech and establishing the rule of law, he said.

Referring to the reopening of closed factories and efforts to attract new investment despite the energy crisis caused by instability in the Middle East, he said at the direct instructions of the prime minister, it had been possible to resume operations at closed factories and attract new investments.

Workers had previously faced difficulties receiving their salaries and bonuses around Eid, but following effective measures taken after the government assumed responsibility, workers' dues were ensured to be paid on time during the last two Eid festivals, he said.

Prime Minister's Political Adviser and labour leader Nazrul Islam Khan, Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal Central Coordinator Advocate Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, MP, along with other prominent labour leaders, spoke at the symposium.