President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Friday called upon all stakeholders to ensure dignity, safety, equal wages, and a secure environment for female workers, describing it as both a "moral and humanitarian responsibility."

“It is necessary to build a humane workplace culture ensuring maternity leave, equal pay for equal work. I hope all concerned stakeholders will take necessary measures on a priority basis to implement the government’s initiatives and directives in the labour sector and ensure their effective execution,” the President said.

Speaking at an event in Dhaka marking "Great May Day and National Occupational Health and Safety Day 2026," the President paid tribute to the global labor force, calling May Day a "historic symbol of sacrifice, solidarity and the struggle for labour rights."

He underscored that collective efforts are essential to build a "humane, inclusive and sustainable state" by ensuring decent working conditions.

Recalling the 1886 Chicago labor movement, he noted that the struggle for an eight-hour workday opened a new chapter for workers' rights worldwide.

He also paid homage to workers killed or persecuted during the Liberation War, labor rights movements, and the July mass uprising.

The President identified laborers as the "key driving force" behind the economy, citing their contributions in industry, agriculture, transport, and construction, alongside the vital remittances from migrant workers.

He specifically remembered former president Ziaur Rahman for introducing significant reforms and a tripartite labor policy, noting that the 1976 establishment of the Ministry of Manpower initiated a new era of overseas employment.

He also credited former prime minister Khaleda Zia for expanding welfare through the Labour Act 2006 and the Labour Welfare Foundation.

Regarding current initiatives, the President mentioned the government’s efforts to reopen closed state-owned enterprises, including sugar and silk factories. He announced that six jute mills would be reopened in phases within the next six months.

On industrial relations, he emphasized that mutual trust and cooperation are essential for productivity and sustainable industrialization.

He called for the encouragement of trade union activities, stating, "workers’ rights must not be undermined under any circumstances." He also cautioned workers against "vested groups" attempting to incite labor unrest.

Highlighting legal progress, he noted the passage of the Bangladesh Labour (Amendment) Act 2026, aligned with international standards.

He mentioned that Bangladesh has now ratified 39 ILO conventions and one protocol.

The President expressed deep sorrow over the recent deaths of 13 workers in a chemical warehouse fire in Rupnagar, Mirpur, confirming that financial assistance has been provided to the families.

He called for coordinated inspections by the relevant ministries and organizations—including the Bangladesh Employers’ Federation, BGMEA, and BKMEA—to address safety shortcomings.

Reflecting on this year’s theme, “Healthy workers, productive hands, a new dawn for all,” he said it highlights the importance of workers' physical and mental wellbeing for national prosperity.

The program was attended by Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury, Adviser to the Prime Minister Nazrul Islam Khan, Labour Affairs Adviser Mahdi Amin, and ILO Bangladesh Country Director Max Tunon.