Inclusive progress to ensure dignity, fairness for working people: Mahdi Amin

Adviser to the Prime Minister for Labour and Employment and Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Mahdi Amin today (5 September) stressed ensuring sustainable security, dignity and fair opportunities for working people while enhancing their skills to strengthen the national economy.

He said this while addressing at the conference and general meeting of the Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies (BILS) at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh in the city's Kakrail area. 

The meeting was held under the theme, "Commitment to move forward to ensure dignity, rights and fair share".

"Workers do not merely provide labour, they keep the wheels of the country's economy moving," Mahdi said, stressing that fair wages are workers' rightful due and a safe workplace is their fundamental right.

He said workers' welfare also means ensuring the security and better future of their families. 

As technological changes reshape industries, workers' professional skills must be upgraded in line with technology and global demand, he said.

The Prime Minister's Office spokesperson called for greater investment in modern training and technological capabilities to raise productivity and prepare the next generation for emerging industries and quality employment.

He also stressed stronger cooperation between employers and workers to maintain industrial stability and development. The government plans to advance the industrial sector through its "Tripartite Consultation" 
mechanism.

"Justice in the workplace creates trust, and trust increases productivity," he said, adding that ensuring safety and equal opportunities for women workers is vital for inclusive economic growth.

Mahdi emphasised that the quality of employment is as important as the number of jobs, calling for decent work, fair wages, social inclusion and respect for workers' labour. 

He said ensuring better education and opportunities for workers' children should also be considered part of workers' welfare.

Recalling workers' historic role in Bangladesh's political and social achievements, including the July Mass Uprising, he said working people had repeatedly taken to the streets in support of democracy, justice and people's rights.

He said Bangladesh has immense potential to supply skilled manpower to international markets and called for harmonising the country's labour market with the global economic structure.

Mahdi also stressed protecting the dignity, security and rights of women and ensuring workers' fundamental rights alongside industrial development.

He praised BILS for its three-decade contribution to protecting labour rights and said the government, development partners, civil society and relevant ministries are working together for sustainable development of the labour sector.

He said the government's flagship "Family Card" project has already begun reaching working women to promote social dignity and economic prosperity.

Prime Minister's Political and Agriculture Affairs Adviser and BILS Secretary General Nazrul Islam Khan, Social Welfare Minister Abu Zafar Md Zahid Hossain, Central coordinator of the Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal Advocate Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas also spoke, among others, at the conference and general meeting of BILS.