Protect rights of workers: JS speaker to owners

Speaker of Jatiya Sangshad Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury on Monday urged the industry owners to protect and implement the rights of workers with a sensitive attitude as the harmony between them can create the foundation of Smart Bangladesh.

“Development is not possible by depriving the workers. Workers are the lifeline of development. Workers are strengthening the national economy by making important contributions to various industrial sectors including garment, pharmaceutical, construction and tea production. The worker-owner harmony can create the foundation of Smart Bangladesh,” she said.

The Speaker was addressing a function here in the capital on the occasion of the May Day 2023 as the chief guest.

The Ministry of Labour and Employment arranged the programme with the theme of 'Forge Unity between workers and owners, Build Smart Bangladesh' at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre.

Dr Chaudhury distributed cheques of financial assistance among workers. Bangladesh Sramik Kalyan Foundation provided the financial assistance.

State Minister for Labour and Employment Monnujan Sufian presided over the event, while lawmakers Ashim Kumar Ukil, Mohammad Shubid Ali Bhuiyan, Adiba Anjum Mita, Gloria Jharna Sarker and Basanti Chakma were present. 

The Speaker said the current government is determined to build a Smart Bangladesh by 2041. If the workers can be skilled by increasing the training scopes in the ICT sector, they can play a greater role in the transformation of the country into a Smart Bangladesh, she said.

Citing different steps taken by the government for the wellbeing of workers, she said the government has paved the way for maintaining employer-employee harmony by taking multifaceted measures in this regard.

Dr Chaudhury said Bangladesh is now among the developing countries. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is acclaimed worldwide for establishing Bangladesh as a role model for development, she said.

“The contribution of workers to this indomitable progress is undeniable. The role of hardworking people in achieving sustainable development goals and implementing other programs is enormous. Coordinated initiatives are essential to improve their overall quality of life,” said the Speaker.

She urged everyone to work together to ensure the increase in production with the united efforts of the workers and employers alongside the government.

Labour and employment secretary Ehsan-E-Elahi delivered the welcome speech, said a press release.

Besides, Director General of the Department of Labour Khaled Mamun Chowdhury,  Inspector General of the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments Nasir Uddin Ahmed, Country Director of International Labour Organisation (ILO) in Bangladesh Tuomo Poutiainen, president of Bangladesh Employers’ Federation Ardashir Kabir President and acting president of Jatiya Sramik League Noor Qutub Alam Mannan spoke on the occasion.