Nearly six crore workers, accounting for 85% of the country’s workforce, lack legal protection and standardized wage guidelines, Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmed, head of the Labor Reform Commission, disclosed on Sunday.
He made the remarks at a discussion titled “Reform Initiatives on Workers’ Quality of Life, Work Environment, and Rights: Recommendations for the Interim Government,” organized by the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) at its Dhanmondi office in Dhaka.
“We are working for the 85% of workers who lack legal protection or social recognition,” Sultan stated.
He highlighted the severe challenges faced by informal sector workers, explaining, “From domestic workers to those in the Secretariat, inequalities have deepened. In construction, direct workers are rarely visible as contractors employ most of the labor force, complicating efforts to address their rights. The situation demands urgent reforms.”
Sultan emphasized the need for a collective approach to tackle these issues comprehensively. “Why should workers have to protest for their wages and rights? Even media professionals should be considered within the framework of human rights,” he remarked.
Drafting recommendations is only the first step, Sultan stressed. “Creating proposals is not the end. We must remain active in the field to ensure their implementation.”
Speaking at the event, Taslima Akhter Lima, a Labor Reform Commission member and President of Bangladesh Sramik Samhati, pointed out the systemic undervaluation of workers’ contributions.
“Workers’ jobs are often dismissed as menial,” she said. “In our homes, in society, and even in legal settings, workers are addressed with disrespectful terms, which is deeply insulting. Furthermore, while lower-level courts use Bengali, the High Court and Appellate Division primarily use English, creating barriers for workers seeking justice. To ensure accessibility, we must prioritize simple Bengali in legal proceedings.”
She also criticized the legal entanglements surrounding workers’ rights, noting, “Although the Constitution guarantees these rights, they remain buried under complex legal frameworks.”
Dr. Khondaker Golam Moazzem, CPD’s Research Director, highlighted the importance of continued efforts beyond the submission of the commission’s report. “We urge that the Labor Reform Commission remain active after submitting its recommendations to oversee their implementation. The interim government should facilitate this process to ensure lasting change.”
He proposed forming an ‘Interim Reform Cell’ within relevant ministries to monitor the implementation of the commission’s recommendations. “If the interim government declares the upcoming year as the ‘Year of Labor Welfare’ and aligns institutional activities accordingly, it will streamline the reform process,” he suggested.
Moazzem acknowledged the disparities in readiness between formal and informal sectors, explaining, “While formal sectors may be prepared to implement reforms, the informal sector, which constitutes the majority, requires more time and support.”
Dr. Moazzem outlined several key initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for workers. He emphasized the importance of establishing proper training programs to enhance workers’ skills and productivity.
He also highlighted the need to create opportunities for women to participate in online marketplaces, enabling them to earn a livelihood and achieve financial independence. Additionally, he proposed developing advanced training programs tailored for rural women to help them access better employment opportunities.
Finally, Dr. Moazzem stressed the urgency of ensuring legal protection for migrant workers and promoting equal rights for all laborers, regardless of their sector or employment status. These measures, he argued, are essential for fostering a more equitable and inclusive workforce.
The event revealed that the interim government has formed a 10-member Labor Reform Commission, led by Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmed, to address the challenges faced by the labor force. The commission’s objectives include amending labor laws, resolving disputes, and ensuring fundamental rights, such as a national minimum wage.
The commission is expected to submit its recommendations by February 18.
