Labour rights activists gathered at the Jatiya Press Club to demand the withdrawal of false cases against activists and workers involved in wage-related movements. The rally, organised by Bangladesh Garment Workers Solidarity, also condemned recent layoffs, particularly at the Beximco garments factory, and called for workers to receive their rightful dues.
The gathering featured speeches from prominent figures, including Labour Reform Commission Chief Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmed, Taslima Akhtar, President of Bangladesh Garment Workers Solidarity, and Jahangirnagar University educator Hasan Ashraf.
Sultan emphasised the necessity of comprehensive labour reforms and democratic laws to address rising income inequality, which exacerbates the challenges faced by workers. He highlighted the Labour Reform Commission’s commitment to ensuring dignified wages, trade union rights, and overall worker welfare.
Taslima Akhtar pointed out that while government employees are entitled to six months of paid maternity leave, garment workers, who play a vital role in both the industry and society, are not afforded the same rights. She called for the drafting of a unified democratic labour law to replace the existing dual system and urged policymakers to prioritize the interests of workers.
Activists also advocated for the ratification of International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 190 to institutionalise anti-sexual harassment policies and enforce them strictly. They criticised the current restrictions on trade union registration, including the requirement for 20 per cent membership and the limitation of three unions per organisation.
The rally concluded with a call for reforms that guarantee workers’ rights to unionise and express their demands freely.
