Adviser Farida Akhtar today spoke at the Aloki Convention Centre in the capital. Photo: PID

DHAKA, Dec 9, 2025 (BSS) – Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhtar today said although informal workers make up 85 percent of Bangladesh’s labour force and most of them remain without recognition or protection.

She made the remarks while speaking as chief guest at the 'Informal & Marginalised Formal Women Workers Convention 2025 at the Aloki Convention Centre in capital's Tejgaon area, organised by Oxfam in Bangladesh and allied women workers’ networks.

The adviser said the economy depends heavily on tea workers, fishers and domestic workers, yet their contributions often go unacknowledged. 

As a result, she noted, informal workers remain deprived of rights and recognition. 

She added that women workers face long-standing social and economic exploitation and ensuring their 'rights' is vital for national development.

Sunjida Sultana, Additional Executive Director of Karmojibi Nari, presented the keynote paper.

Former Labour Reform Commission head Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmed, speaking as special guest, stressed the need for women workers’ participation in decision-making.

Oxfam Country Director Ashish Damle said the convention demonstrated the power of women’s collective action and leadership.

Women workers from tea, fisheries, domestic work and home-based garment sectors announced the formation of the 'National Non-unionised Women Workers Forum' at the event.