Extortionists oppressing owners, workers oppressed by owners: Jamaat chief Shafiqur

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has said that workers in Bangladesh are being oppressed by employers in various ways, while business owners themselves are falling victim to extortionists.

"Workers are deprived of fair wages, a safe working environment, and respectful treatment. On the other hand, entrepreneurs are being held hostage by extortionists who harass them in various forms — even exploiting International Workers' Day for extortion," he said today (1 May).

He made the remarks while addressing a rally in Dhaka's Paltan, organised by the Bangladesh Labour Welfare Federation on the occasion of May Day.

The Jamaat chief said, "If workers survive, industries survive, and businesses survive. At the same time, workers must understand that if owners survive, the workplace survives. Both parties have responsibilities.

"Mutual respect, compassion, and the establishment of rights are necessary for a peaceful and sustainable Bangladesh — and that is only fully possible by implementing the laws of Allah."

Highlighting the scale of the labour force, he said, "Some 70% of the working population in our country belongs to the labour class. No society can move forward while excluding them. Many of them work up to 16 hours a day. They are not machines — they are humans, with bodies that tire under pressure, who need rest and time with their families. Yet their lives remain inhumane.

"We want to end this inhumanity, and that begins with treating people as people."

Regarding women workers, he added, "Like their male counterparts, female workers should have designated spaces for prayer. They must be allowed to perform their religious duties with dignity."

He further said, "We want to honour people regardless of political affiliation, ideology, or religion. It is by the sweat of their brows that we prosper, and to me, their sweat is like perfume. Sometimes, when I try to be close to workers, some people try to keep me away from them. But I want to embrace them, because the sweat on their chests is like perfume to me."

Shafiqur also addressed criticism against Jamaat, saying, "Our opponents spread falsehoods, claiming that if Jamaat comes to power, women will not be allowed to work or even leave their homes. I assure you, women will do the work of their choice.

"But I must say, currently women lack dignity, honour, and security. We, InshaAllah, will ensure complete dignity, honour, and security for women."

The rally was conducted by Bangladesh Labour Welfare Federation Secretary General and former Islami Chhatra Shibir central president Atikur Rahman. The event was presided over by Jamaat's Nayeb-e-Ameer and the Federation's Ameer ANM Shamsul Islam.