TBD Town Hall III highlights labour rights, workplace safety, and future of work
Participants at TBD Town Hall III urged stronger state intervention to ensure workplace safety, labour dignity, and economic justice
The Bangladesh Dialogue organised the third edition of its Town Hall discussion, titled "Labour Environment, Evaluation, Rights, and the Future of Work," on 7 May 2026 at the Daily Star Centre.
The discussion brought together government representatives, labour rights activists, legal experts, academics, young politicians, and professionals from different sectors to exchange views on labour rights, workplace safety, economic inequality, gender discrimination, migration challenges, and the changing nature of employment in Bangladesh.
Among those present at the event were Mansura Akter, Saiyed Bin Abdullah, Barrister Abir Chowdhury, Abdul Kader, Anik Ray, Anika Mahjabin, Badrul Alam Shobuj, Dr Shafiqur Rahman, Jahin Faruk Amin, Monjurul Islam, Mohammad Shamim, Sadiya Farzana Dina, and Taslima Akhter.
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Delivering the keynote speech, Kazi Rakib Hossain said, "Despite more than 140 years of labour movements worldwide, workers in Bangladesh still remain deprived of fair wages, workplace safety, and basic labour rights".
He noted that, "Workers in the garment, transport, domestic work, and migrant labour sectors continue to face discrimination and unsafe working conditions. Women, third-gender individuals, and members of the Hijra community are still denied equal pay, safe workplaces, and protection from harassment."
During the discussion, speakers raised concerns over the widening gap between minimum wages and inflation, calling for fair compensation and stronger protection of trade union independence.
Participants also pointed out that nearly 84% of workers in Bangladesh remain employed in the informal sector, leaving them vulnerable to job insecurity and limited legal protection.
The speakers highlighted the importance of skill development, digital labour registration, and creating new employment opportunities to address the evolving demands of the labour market.
Participants argued that political and institutional weaknesses continue to hinder labour welfare initiatives. They called for stronger action against workplace harassment, more effective labour courts, and improved implementation of labour policies.
Referring to incidents such as the Rana Plaza collapse, Mansura Alam said, "Although reforms including labour laws, revised minimum wage structures, maternity leave provisions, and labour courts were introduced after the tragedy, more effective and ethical state intervention is still necessary to fully ensure workers' rights".
The discussion also highlighted the lack of recognition and dignity accorded to domestic workers and labourers in the informal economy. Participants stressed the need for affordable food policies, labour-friendly reforms, inclusive development, and long-term sustainable planning.
In his concluding remarks, SM Saif Kader Rubab said, "The government should strengthen monitoring of multinational companies to ensure safer working environments for labourers".
He added, "The Association of Southeast Asian Nations has emerged as one of the world's largest diversified economic regions. Bangladesh should expand its regional and global engagement to create new employment opportunities."
