New Bangladesh impossible with current conditions for workers, says CA Yunus

"Our first task would be to start implementing the recommendations of the Labour Reform Commission, which need to be accomplished immediately," Yunus says

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has stressed the importance of implementing the recommendations drafted by the Labour Reform Commission and says a new Bangladesh is not possible if workers face the same conditions.

“The new Bangladesh could not be built if the condition of workers remains the same - that was in the old Bangladesh,” he said.

"Our first task would be to start implementing the recommendations of the Labour Reform Commission, which need to be accomplished immediately. Later, we have to follow the recommendations in phases."

The chief advisor spoke at a function at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Centre on Thursday, marking the historic May Day and the National Occupational Health and Safety Day, 2025, reports Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS).

This year's May Day is being observed with the theme— “Workers and owners united; Lets rebuild this country anew.”

“The workers and owners are complementary to each other. I firmly believe, with their joint efforts, a strong, self-reliant and progressive Bangladesh would be built,” Yunus said.

The head of the interim government distributed cheques of financial assistance to the families of five workers supported by Sramik Kalyan Foundation at the event.

Labour and Employment Advisor Brigadier General (retd) M Sakhawat Hussain, Labour and Employment Secretary AHM Shafiquzzaman and Labour Reform Commission chairman Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmed also spoke at the event.

A recorded speech of ILO Director-General Gilbert F Houngbo was played on the occasion, BSS reports.