Experts urge fair labour market transition to protect Bangladesh’s workers 

Bangladesh's labour market is under fresh strain from climate change, automation, and rapid technological shifts, raising fears of widening inequality, experts warned at the opening of Just Transition Convention 2025 in Dhaka.

They called for an urgent "just transition" policy to protect workers and ensure fair, inclusive growth.

AKM Ashraf Uddin, executive director of Bangladesh Labour Foundation, said workers outside social protection are the worst affected. "Automation is creating job loss risks. A just transition policy must be implemented now," he stressed.

Labour Secretary Md Sanowar Jahan said Bangladesh's greatest strength lies in its people—especially its youth and women. To fully harness this demographic dividend, he emphasised the need for skill development, sustainable employment opportunities, and stronger social safety nets.

Presenting research, Jahangirnagar University's Sakhawat Hossain noted that textiles, leather, and footwear—accounting for 83.86% of total exports and employing nearly four million people—are already facing the adverse effects of climate change.

The study of 747 workers found that 80% of RMG workers are women, the average age in leather is 31, and nearly half work 9–11 hours daily. 

He warned of rising health risks, living costs, and mental stress, underscoring the urgent need for reskilling, stronger health protection, and expanded social security.

Dutch Ambassador Joris van Bommel said Bangladesh and the Netherlands must deepen cooperation on labour challenges from digitalisation and AI, while ILO Country Director Max Tunon cautioned that global deficits in social justice remain stark.

"If just transition does not happen, inequality will deepen further," he said.

BGMEA Vice President Vidya Amrit Khan said Bangladesh's 236 green factories are a start but stressed that "green buildings alone are not enough—circular economy and traceability systems are needed."

Addressing the two-day event, experts agreed that government, employers, workers, brands, and international agencies must act together to build a fair and sustainable industrial system for over 70 million workers.