Desk Report:
State Minister for Land and Hill Tracts Affairs Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin has said that workers are not just production machines, they are the main driving force of this country’s economy. Expressing his determination to achieve the just rights of the workers, he said, on today’s great May Day, we have to take an oath to stand against exploitation and achieve just rights. Only then will our democracy and humane Bangladesh be re-established.
The State Minister said these things while addressing the chief guest at a discussion meeting organized at the Chittagong Shilpakala Academy Auditorium on the occasion of the great May Day and National Occupational Health and Safety Day 2026 on Friday (May 1, 2026). The Divisional Labor Department, the Department of Factory and Establishment Inspection, and the Labor Welfare Centers jointly organized this event.
The State Minister said that for the past 17 years, the country’s labor community was extremely deprived of their just rights. A safe working environment has not been ensured, and they have even been deprived of proper wages for overtime work. In the case of workers killed in factory accidents, the families have not received proper justice or compensation, which is unacceptable in any civilized society.
In his speech, the State Minister expressed the current government’s commitment to establishing the rights of workers and said, “We will establish an independent monitoring system to implement the labor law. In addition to strengthening the independence of trade unions and the voice of workers, health, housing and social security will be ensured.” He said, “There is no freedom without struggle and there is no strength without unity. By uniting workers, farmers, students and the public, we will build a new Bangladesh, where justice and equality will be established. This is the conviction and motto of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
Chittagong Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mia presided over the program, and Chittagong City Corporation Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain, Member of Parliament Ershad Ullah and Member of Parliament Mohammad Abu Sufian were present as special guests. Besides, Chittagong Divisional Commissioner Dr. Md. Zia Uddin, Chittagong Metropolitan Police Commissioner Md. Shawkat Ali and other senior officials were present at the event.
