Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. -File Photo

DHAKA, April 30, 2026 (BSS) – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today emphasized that improving workers’ living standards, ensuring their fair rights, creating safe working conditions and upholding their social dignity remain the foremost priorities of the present democratic government.

"On the occasion of May Day and National Occupational Health and Safety Day 2026, I extend my heartfelt greetings and congratulations to all working people at home and abroad," he added.

"The working people are the main driving force behind the development, prosperity and progress of any country," the premier said in a message marking the Great May Day and National Occupational Health and Safety Day-2026 to be observed tomorrow.

He said industry, agriculture, infrastructure and a strong economy are built through the tireless efforts of workers.

The theme of this year’s May Day and the International Workers’ Day is ‘Healthy Workers, Productive Hands, A New Dawn Awaits’ or ' Sustho Sramik, Karmotho Hat, Ashbe Ebar Nobo Provat.'

Embracing the spirit inherent in this theme, the Prime Minister said the Great May Day is being observed in Bangladesh alongside other countries of the world. 

On this day, the premier conveyed his sincere greetings to all Bangladeshi workers, both at home and overseas, who are engaged in their professions for their livelihoods and above all, for the development of the country.

He paid deep tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in May 1886 at Haymarket in Chicago, USA, while demanding an eight-hour workday and fair rights, as well as to workers across the world who have been martyred or injured in movements to establish their rights.

Tarique Rahman believed that positive changes in the lives of workers can be ensured through worker-friendly policies, expansion of employment and welfare-oriented initiatives.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said the great proclaimer of Bangladesh’s independence, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, believed that the two hands of workers are the key to the prosperity and development of the state and society. 

Considering the welfare of workers, he (Ziaur Rahman) undertook various groundbreaking initiatives, which strengthened the foundation of workers’ welfare, said Tarique Rahman. 

He also created overseas labor markets, especially in the Middle East and expatriate workers are now one of the pillars of Bangladesh’s economy, the premier added.

He said whenever the BNP government has been in power, it has taken special initiatives for the welfare of workers, including reform and modernization of labor laws, formation of wage commissions, fixation and implementation of minimum wages for garment workers, ensuring bonuses, and establishment of the Workers’ Welfare Foundation and special arrangements for healthcare and education of workers’ children.

The garment sector employs the highest number of workers in the country and the contribution of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman to this sector is unforgettable, he said.
The premier said the country continues to move forward with progress through the welfare of garment workers.

Following the continuity of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, ensuring fair rights, safe working conditions and the political, economic and social security of workers remain a priority of the present government, he said.

Bangladesh has ratified 39 conventions and one protocol of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and remains committed to maintaining close and cordial relations with the organization, he said.

Tarique Rahman said the present government is dedicated to improving the living standards of workers and has ensured timely payment of wages, bonuses and other benefits for all workers during the last Eid-ul-Fitr. 

"Such welfare activities will continue in the future," he added.

The government is also committed to ensuring fair wages through regular wage reviews and equal pay for men and women, he said, adding that initiatives have been taken to introduce a ‘Probashi Card’ to ensure economic security and various benefits for expatriate workers.

The premier firmly believed that ensuring the safety, dignity and welfare of workers will make it possible to build a prosperous, self-reliant, democratic and humane Bangladesh. 
"Through collective efforts and mutual cooperation, we will be able to build the desired Bangladesh, Insha Allah," he said.

The Prime Minister wished the overall success of all programmes undertaken on the occasion of May Day and National Occupational Health and Safety Day 2026.