Brigadier General (Retd) Dr. M. Sakhawat Hossain, Adviser to the Ministry of Labour and Employment, declared that anyone involved in creating unrest in the labor industry, whether an employer or a worker, will be held accountable and punished. His remarks came on Sunday during a meeting at the Dhaka North City Corporation, where officials from various sectors discussed efforts to address instability in the labor-intensive industries.
Sakhawat emphasized that the government has been intensifying efforts to curb corruption and unrest in the factory and labor sectors. He assured that strict legal actions would be taken against those instigating disturbances. To address the unrest, the Ministry of Commerce, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Tourist Police, and law enforcement agencies are working closely with the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
Speaking at another program at a city hotel, M Sakhawat further underscored the government's commitment to safeguarding the interests of both industrial owners and workers. He mentioned that Bangladesh is actively engaging with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and implementing their advice to improve industrial relations. "We are in touch with the ILO, and I am confident that their guidance will help us transform Bangladesh's labor environment," he stated.
The dialogue focused on transforming Bangladesh's industrial relations system, with Sakhawat calling for better relationships between factory owners and workers. He highlighted that companies with strong labor relations benefit from improved productivity and stability. He also noted that recommendations from the Labor Reforms Commission, along with ILO suggestions, would be implemented to improve the sector.
Sakhawat emphasized that Bangladesh’s development now requires a comprehensive approach to industrial relations, stressing the importance of an integrated system to secure the growing workforce. He pointed out that effective dispute resolution mechanisms are essential to prevent conflicts from derailing the country’s development goals.
The dialogue concluded with the signing of a joint declaration on harmonious industrial relations by AHM Sakibuzzaman, Secretary of the Ministry of Labor and Employment, Ardashir Kabir, President of the Bangladesh Employers Federation, and Badal Khan, Chairperson of the National Coordination Committee for Workers' Education (NCCWE).
The event also saw participation from key stakeholders, including ILO representatives, EU Ambassador AC Michael Miller, and senior officials from the Ministry of Labor and Employment. The dialogue and joint declaration are seen as critical steps toward improving the industrial relations system in Bangladesh, ensuring social peace, and supporting sustainable economic growth.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
