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Published : 30 Apr 2026, 05:17 PM
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman says that workers and professionals are the main driving force behind the development, prosperity, and progress of any country.
He made this remark in a message issued on Thursday on the occasion of “International Workers’ Day and National Occupational Health and Safety Day 2026.”
The prime minister said, “This year’s theme of May Day is ‘With healthy workers and their productive hands, a new dawn will come.’ Embracing the spirit of this theme, May Day is being observed in Bangladesh alongside other countries around the world.”
“On the occasion of International Workers’ Day and National Occupational Health and Safety Day 2026, I extend my heartfelt greetings and congratulations to all workers and professionals in Bangladesh and across the world.”
He also extended greetings to all Bangladeshi workers at home and abroad who are engaged in earning livelihoods and contributing to the country’s development.
He said, “I deeply remember with respect those who sacrificed their lives in May 1886 at the Haymarket in Chicago, USA, while fighting for an eight-hour workday and fair labour rights, as well as all workers around the world who have been injured or killed in the struggle for their rights.”
Emphasising that working people are the backbone of development and progress, the prime minister said: “It is through the tireless efforts of workers that industries, agriculture, infrastructure, and a prosperous economy are built. Therefore, improving their living standards, ensuring fair rights, creating safe working environments, and establishing social dignity are among the top priorities of the current democratic government.”
“I believe that through worker-friendly policies, expansion of employment, and welfare initiatives, positive changes in the lives of working people can be ensured.”
He added, “The great proclaimer of Bangladesh’s independence, martyred president Ziaur Rahman, believed that the two hands of a worker are the key to the prosperity and development of the state and society. Keeping workers’ welfare in mind, he undertook various groundbreaking initiatives.”
“The labour markets he opened abroad, especially in the Middle East, have made expatriate workers a major pillar of Bangladesh’s economy today.”
He said that whenever the BNP government has been in power, it has taken special initiatives for the welfare of workers, including labour law reforms, formation of wage commissions, setting minimum wages for garment workers, ensuring bonuses, establishing labour welfare foundations, and providing healthcare and education support for workers’ children.
Tarique said, “The largest number of workers in our country is employed in the garment sector. The contribution of president Ziaur Rahman to this sector is unforgettable. Due to the efforts of garment workers, the country is moving toward continuous progress.”
He said following the legacy of the late president Ziaur Rahman and former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia in ensuring fair labour rights and safe working conditions, as well as political, economic, and social security for workers, is a priority of the current government.
The prime minister noted that Bangladesh has ratified 39 conventions and one protocol of the International Labour Organization (ILO). “The government is committed to maintaining a close and cordial relationship with the ILO. It is dedicated to improving the living standards of workers.”
“With that goal, the government ensured timely payment of wages, bonuses, and other benefits to all workers during the last Eid-ul-Fitr, and it will continue this effort in the future.”
He also said that the government is committed to regularly reviewing wages to ensure fair pay and equal wages for men and women, and has taken initiatives to introduce a “Probashi Card” or Expatriate Card to ensure financial security and other benefits for expatriate workers.
“I believe 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 achieve our desired Bangladesh, In Sha Allah. I wish overall success for all programmes taken on the occasion of International Workers’ Day and National Occupational Health and Safety Day 2026.”
May Day Is a Glorious Day for Establishing Workers’ Rights Globally: President Shahabuddin
President Mohammed Shahabuddin has said that May Day is a glorious day for establishing the rights of working people worldwide.
In a message on Thursday, he said, “I am delighted to know that International Workers’ Day and National Occupational Health and Safety Day 2026 are being observed across the country with due dignity. On this occasion, I extend heartfelt greetings and congratulations to all working people in Bangladesh and around the world.”
He added, “Considering the importance of workers’ rights and occupational safety, this year’s theme, ‘With healthy workers and their productive hands, a new dawn will come,’ is timely and appropriate.”
He said, “On this day in 1886, workers in Chicago, America sacrificed their lives demanding an eight-hour workday. Their sacrifice continues to inspire and strengthen us in establishing workers’ rights.”
The president said, “Martyred president Ziaur Rahman took groundbreaking steps to establish workers’ rights and welfare. Following that path, the current government has adopted different policies and programmes, including labour law reforms, fair wages, social protection for informal sector workers, pension systems funded by institutions, trade union rights, reopening closed industries, and ensuring fair-priced food and protection for permanent workers.”
He hoped that these initiatives would bring positive changes to workers’ lives.
Highlighting the contribution of workers, he said: “Workers are the main architects of development. Their tireless efforts in industry, agriculture, construction, and every sector are driving our economy forward.”
“To build a prosperous Bangladesh, it is essential to ensure fair rights, safe working environments, and social protection for workers. By ensuring workers’ rights, maintaining harmony between employers and workers, and safeguarding occupational health, Bangladesh will rise to a unique height globally as a humane and just state.”
