Workers urged to unite for fair wages, dignity at May Day rally in Ctg
He urged workers to rise above political divisions and build a united movement inspired by the spirit of May Day.
Labour leaders in Chattogram today (1 May) called for greater unity among workers to secure fair wages, job security and dignity, warning that global economic shifts and technological changes are increasing vulnerabilities for the labour force.
Speaking at a May Day programme, Tapan Dutta, president of the Chattogram district committee of the Trade Union Centre, said there is no alternative to collective struggle in achieving workers' rights.
"Workers worldwide are facing shrinking job opportunities and wages due to the aggressive expansion of capital and technological transformation. To confront this reality, workers must become more organised and aware," he said.
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Tapan also reflected on the country's independence aspirations, saying the vision of a discrimination-free society remains unfulfilled even decades after independence.
He urged workers to rise above political divisions and build a united movement inspired by the spirit of May Day.
The programme, organised at Cheragi Pahar intersection in the port city, included a rally, discussion and cultural performances. Leaders and activists from various sector-based unions participated in the event.
Speakers at the event alleged that workers employed in contracting firms across the country are facing exploitation, deprivation and discrimination. They stressed that building a discrimination-free and non-exploitative society requires a skilled and protected workforce.
The rally put forward a set of demands, including immediate implementation of labour reform commission recommendations, bringing workers from both formal and informal sectors under labour laws, and setting a national minimum wage of Tk30,000 based on an eight-hour workday.
Other demands included reforming the Bangladesh Labour Act 2006 into a more democratic framework, ensuring occupational health and safety, and guaranteeing trade union rights in line with conventions 87 and 98 of the International Labour Organisation.
Among others, labour leaders including Fazlul Kabir Mintu, Sukanta Dutta, Abdur Rahim, Pradip Das and Manik Mondal addressed the gathering.
A cultural troupe from Udichi Shilpigosthi performed songs in solidarity with the labour movement.
The programme concluded with a colourful procession carrying red flags, which marched through key city roads before ending at the new railway station.
