If BNP comes to power, it will continue strides for workers’ welfare: Tarique Rahman

If BNP is voted to power in next general election, it will continue its efforts to make welfare and progress of the workers, party acting chairman Tarique Rahman said today (30 April).

In a message on the eve of May Day, he extended his heartfelt greetings to all workers at home and abroad who are working for family, society and above all for development of the country, risking their lives.

Tarique Rahman paid profound tributes to memory of the workers who had made supreme sacrifice in 'Hay Market' in Chicago, America, in 1886, while demanding the fair rights of workers, including an 8-hour workday, and who sacrificed themselves on the gallows for this movement.

Referring to May Day as the celebration of the international labour movement, the BNP acting chairman said workers and labour organisations in different countries celebrate the day through processions and rallies on streets.

"Former President Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Bir Uttam was a true worker as always felt proud to identify himself as a worker. He used to call the two hands of workers the key to development. He took groundbreaking steps for the welfare of the workers of this country," said Tarique Rahman, also elder son of Ziaur Rahman and former prime minister Khaleda Zia.

He said BNP had taken measures to reform and modernise labour laws in this country, form a salary and wage commission, determine and implement minimum wages for garment workers, and pay their bonuses when it was in power.

In addition, the BNP had taken appropriate programmes to improve the fate of the labour community in Bangladesh by forming a Workers' Welfare Foundation, taking special measures for the treatment of the children of garment workers, and educating them.

Stating that the garments industry has the largest number of workers in the country, Tarique Rahman said the contribution of Shaheed Ziaur Rahman to this industry is unforgettable.

Tarique Rahman said last year, Awami League government was overthrown through sacrifices of students and workers in the mass uprising of 2024.

"Now there should be no obstacle to implementing the just rights of workers. Nevertheless, workers remain neglected and deprived of their rights. Only when a social land of excellent democracy is built in the country, the dignity and rights of the working people will be established. The working people are still living in misery due to the pressure of rising commodity prices and inflation.

"Not only in Bangladesh, but also around the world, we must take an oath on the great May Day to establish the rights of the working people and accelerate the struggle for freedom from exploitation," he said.

Tarique Rahman wished overall success of all the programmes taken marking the great May Day and continued happiness, peace and prosperity of the workers, the people and the country.