President Md. Shahabuddin addressed a program organized at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center to mark the Great May Day and National Occupational Health and Safety Day-2026. Photo: PID

DHAKA, May 1, 2026 (BSS) - President Mohammed Shahabuddin today pledged to ensure fair rights, dignity and safe working conditions for workers, paying deep tribute to their sacrifices in establishing labour rights.

He made the pledge while addressing a programme marking May Day and National Occupational Health and Safety Day-2026 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in the capital.

The event was presided over by Labour and Employment and Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury, MP. Advisers to the Prime Minister Nazrul Islam Khan and Mahdi Amin attended as special guests.

"Workers are the principal architects of the country's development and the driving force of the economy," the President said.

Recalling the historic struggle for an eight-hour workday in Chicago, the President paid homage to the workers who laid down their lives for labour rights.

He said workers are contributing significantly to all sectors, including industry, agriculture, transport and construction, while remittances and the ready-made garment (RMG) sector continue to bolster the national economy.

Highlighting past initiatives, he noted that Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman had expanded overseas employment opportunities, laying the groundwork for remittance growth, while former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia contributed to safeguarding workers' rights through labour laws and welfare measures.

The President said the government is implementing various programmes to enhance workers' welfare, reopen industries and generate employment, including initiatives to revive jute mills.

He underscored the importance of mutual trust and cooperation between workers and employers to boost productivity and ensure sustainable industrial growth.

Calling for collective responsibility, he urged all concerned to help prevent labour unrest and encouraged the strengthening of trade union activities.

He added that workers' rights have been further reinforced through the Bangladesh Labour (Amendment) Act, 2026, alongside the country's ratification of several ILO conventions.

Emphasising the rights of women workers, the President stressed the need to ensure equal wages and safe workplaces.

He also called for stronger inspection mechanisms to prevent workplace accidents and ensure compliance with labour standards.

The President urged all stakeholders to work together to build a just, inclusive and sustainable state.

ILO Bangladesh Country Director Max Tunon, Bangladesh Employers Federation President Fazle Shamim Ehsan, labour representative Anwar Hossain and senior officials were present at the programme.