Dream of New Bangladesh not possible without better conditions for workers: Prof Yunus

Highlighting the importance of workers welfare through joint efforts, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Thursday (May 1) said the mass desire to build New Bangladesh would remain unfulfilled if the workers' conditions remain unchanged like the past.

"It's a shared responsibility (to ensure better conditions for workers) and it's a big opportunity for us," he said, emphasising on the implementations of the labour reform commission.

The Chief Adviser was addressing as the chief guest at a discussion marking the Great May Day 2025 and National Occupational Health and Safety Day at Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre.

Referring to the Labour Reform Commission's report, Prof Yunus said he is personally very impressed to see the recommendations placed by the commission.

"Our responsibility is to begin the journey with the recommendations which can be implemented immediately," he said, adding that the implementation of recommendations will help create the solid base of the New Bangladesh.

Prof Yunus said they have started their journey in that direction and hoped that they will be successful.

The Chief Adviser said this year's May Day is totally different from the past occasions as there is a desire to build a new Bangladesh through July mass uprising.

Labour and Employment Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hussain, Labour and Employment Secretary AHM Shafiquzzaman, ILO Director General (recorded speech), ILO Country Director, Bangladesh, Department of Labour Director General, workers and employers' representatives, among others, spoke at the event. A documentary was also screened.