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Published : 01 May 2026, 08:31 PM
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman says he wants to formally associate himself with the country’s workforce, calling for a shared identity in national development efforts.
At a May Day rally in Naya Paltan organised by the BNP’s labour wing, Jatiotabadi Sramik Dal, Tarique said everyone should consider themselves part of a broader workforce contributing to building the country.
He said workers across industries such as construction, jute processing and textiles were central to economic growth, and added that he wanted to place his name alongside them as part of that contribution.
"I want to list my name in your ledgers as a worker. Just as you build structures, increase production in jute mills, and drive the garment industry, I, along with my entire cabinet, wish to work as labourers to build this nation," Tarique said.
The premier reiterated the government’s election manifesto, "We will work, we will build the country; Bangladesh first," as the guiding slogan for the nation’s future.
In a separate programme, President Mohammed Shahabuddin said labour welfare policies in Bangladesh were being carried forward from earlier political eras.
Speaking at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre, he referred to measures taken during the leadership of former president Ziaur Rahman and former prime minister Khaleda Zia, saying they had played key roles in shaping labour-related reforms.
He highlighted that the foundation of today's remittance inflow was laid by Zia’s initiatives in foreign employment, while Khaleda played a pivotal role in protecting labour rights through the enactment of labour laws and the establishment of the Labour Welfare Foundation.
He said the present administration was continuing those initiatives through programmes aimed at improving working conditions, reopening closed industries and expanding employment.
Shahabuddin underscored the government’s swift action in its first two months to reopen shuttered factories, sugar mills, and silk industries. He announced plans to gradually resume operations at six closed jute mills within the next six months.
The president noted that workers are central to economic progress and called for stronger protection of labour rights, including safety measures for women workers and equal treatment in workplaces.
