Protecting jobs, boosting social safety vital to tackle LDC graduation, climate challenges: Experts

Speakers at an international symposium today stressed the urgent need to protect workers' jobs, expand social safety nets, and ensure decent working conditions as they navigate shifting global markets, technological disruption, climate change, and the challenges of graduating from the least developed country (LDC) category.

They also highlighted the importance of establishing an early-warning mechanism for workers from closed factories, bringing informal sector workers under social protection, and accelerating industrialisation through increased female participation.

The Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies (BILS) organised the international symposium titled "Future of Work: Decent Work and Social Justice for All" at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka on Friday, 4 September, 2026. The event brought together policymakers, worker representatives, employers, and development partners to devise strategies for decent work and social protection.

Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, adviser to the prime minister on the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Planning, attended the inaugural session as the chief guest.

Addressing the event, Titumir said that to transform a fragile economy into a resilient and sustainable one, the target must be to build a Bangladesh where all citizens' rights are ensured, and development is democratic, humane, and welfare-oriented.

He noted that highlighting the country's effective and successful initiatives globally and establishing an investment and production structure aligned with emerging realities are essential.

Calling for the development of Bangladesh as a modern and competitive manufacturing and industrial hub, Titumir said: "The current standing of the readymade garment sector is the cumulative result of policies aimed at boosting female participation in the formal sector, which serves as a vital lesson for us. Building on this experience, we must further expand women's participation, accelerate industrialisation, and enhance production capacity to make Bangladesh a more critical component of global production and supply chains."

He also emphasised that domestic resource mobilisation and management must be made more efficient without raising tax rates, creating the foundation for a skilled workforce, higher productivity, and a dignified life with social security for workers.

Advocate Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, member of parliament and central coordinator of the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal, underscored the importance of adapting to a changing labour market by guaranteeing fair wages, enforcing labour laws, and widening social security coverage.

Max Tunon, country director of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Bangladesh, remarked that the National Social Dialogue Forum is a novel initiative that will serve as the first tripartite platform of its kind. He noted that greater dialogue, engagement, and cooperation among all stakeholders are crucial to confronting the challenges of the changing world of work.

Md Abdur Rahim, additional secretary to the Ministry of Labour and Employment, said today's deliberations would play a significant role in outlining measures to counter the impacts of technological and climate disruptions.

Md Saidul Islam, additional secretary general of the Bangladesh Employers' Federation, pointed out two major vulnerabilities facing the workforce: the predominance of informal workers and the upcoming LDC graduation. He said a meaningful and just transition is imperative and called for concerted tripartite efforts among employers, workers, and the government.

Mesbahuddin Ahmed, senior joint convener of the Sramik Adhikar Jatiya Advocacy Alliance, said sustainable solutions require inclusive dialogue and cooperation among the tripartite partners.

Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmmed, executive director of BILS, noted that the Labour Reform Commission has recommended lifecycle-based social protection, adding that collective efforts are vital to building an inclusive and equitable state.

Md Mozibur Rahman Bhuiyan, BILS chairman, presided over the symposium.