Calls for nationwide worker registration to address unemployment

Labour leaders and experts have called for registering all workers in the country to help mitigate unemployment with necessary government support.

"Establishing a national labour registry is crucial, and the Ministry of Labour and Employment can begin this process with support from the International Labour Organisation, factory owners and trade union leaders," said Ananya Raihan, CEO of iSocial Limited, while speaking during a presentation titled "4IR: Implications for Employment, Skills, Labour Rights, and Collective Bargaining" at CIRDAP Auditorium in Dhaka today (16 November).

Raihan also proposed introducing unemployment allowances to support workers during transitional periods.

The report was presented at the inaugural session of the two-day symposium organised by the Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies (BILS), titled "4th Industrial Revolution: Effect on Employment and Workers, Towards an Inclusive Policy".

At the event, labour leaders and experts emphasised the need for adequate preparation to tackle challenges posed by the growing adoption of automation in industries.

Currently, 85% of Bangladesh's labour force operates in the informal sector, which lacks government wage benefits. In contrast, only about 15% are employed in the formal sector, where wages are regulated by the minimum wage board.

Labour and Employment Secretary AHM Shafiquzzaman said the country's total labour force exceeds seven crore.

Impacts of automation

During his presentation, Ananya Raihan highlighted new EU legislation extending labour law protections to workers regardless of the hours they work.

Citing a study, Raihan warned that automation could lead to the loss of around 5.3 lakh jobs in Bangladesh's apparel sector by 2041. Other industries like furniture, agro-food processing, leather and tourism could also face significant job losses.

He noted that female workers might be disproportionately affected by these changes.

Despite concerns over job losses, Raihan acknowledged that increased automation and advancements related to the Fourth Industrial Revolution could also generate new employment opportunities in some areas.

Labour sector representatives urged the government to provide policy support during this critical transition phase.

Razekuzzaman Ratan, assistant general secretary of the Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal (BSD), stressed that unemployment and poverty could destabilise society. He called on the government to identify and promote sectors creating opportunities due to automation.

Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmed, executive director of BILS, echoed the demand for robust government policy interventions.

'Labour law amendments must be finalised by March'

At the discussion, the labour secretary mentioned plans to finalise amendments to the Labour Act by next March to avoid repercussions, referring to the recent ILO Governing Body meeting in Geneva.

He added that international organisations, including the ILO, have been pressuring the government to revise the law.

Although labour laws were previously amended under the Awami League regime, the proposed changes were not finally enacted. The current government is revisiting the issue and also considering the creation of a separate department dedicated to employment management, he said.

Besides, the government is thinking of forming a separate department to handle employment issues in the country, the secretary added.