Message by Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on International Workers’ Day 2026

“International Workers’ Day.” The great “May Day.” The theme of this year’s May Day is “Healthy workers, diligent hands, a new dawn will emerge.” Embracing the spirit of this theme, May Day is being observed in Bangladesh alongside countries around the world.

On the occasion of “Great May Day and National Occupational Health and Safety Day 2026,” I extend my heartfelt greetings and congratulations to all working people across Bangladesh and the world. On this day, I convey my sincere wishes to all Bangladeshi workers at home and abroad who are engaged in work for their livelihood and, above all, for the development of the country.

I pay deep tribute to those who sacrificed their lives at Haymarket in Chicago, USA, in May 1886 while fighting for workers’ rights, including the demand for an eight-hour workday, and to all workers around the world who have suffered or lost their lives in the struggle to establish their rights.

Working people are the driving force behind the development, prosperity, and progress of any country. Through their tireless efforts, industries, agriculture, infrastructure, and strong economies are built. Therefore, improving their living standards, ensuring fair rights, creating safe working environments, and establishing their social dignity are among the top commitments of the present democratic government. I believe that worker-friendly policies, expanded employment opportunities, and welfare initiatives can bring positive changes to the lives of workers.

The Proclaimer of Bangladesh’s Independence, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, believed that the two hands of workers are the key to the prosperity and development of the state and society. With the welfare of workers in mind, he introduced many groundbreaking initiatives. His policies and reforms strengthened the foundation of worker welfare. He also created overseas labor markets, especially in the Middle East. Today, expatriate workers are one of the pillars of Bangladesh’s economy.

Whenever BNP has been in power, it has taken significant initiatives for the welfare of workers. The BNP government introduced programs such as labor law reform and modernization, wage commissions, minimum wage determination and implementation for garment workers, provision of bonuses, establishment of the Workers’ Welfare Foundation, and special arrangements for healthcare and education of workers’ children. Bangladesh’s largest workforce is in the garment sector, and the contribution of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman to this sector is remarkable. The country continues to progress through the contributions of garment workers.

Following the legacy of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, it is the responsibility and priority of the current government to uphold workers’ rights and ensure their political, economic, and social security by creating safe working environments.

Bangladesh has ratified 39 conventions and one protocol of the International Labour Organization (ILO). The government remains committed to maintaining close and friendly relations with the ILO. The present government is dedicated to improving workers’ living standards. In line with this commitment, the government ensured timely payment of wages, bonuses, and other benefits to workers during the last Eid-ul-Fitr. The government is determined to continue this practice. It is also committed to ensuring fair wages through regular wage reviews and equal pay for men and women. To ensure the economic security of expatriate workers, the government has taken initiatives to introduce a “Probashi Card.”

I believe that ensuring workers’ safety, dignity, and welfare will make it possible to build a prosperous, self-reliant, democratic, and humane Bangladesh. Through collective efforts and mutual cooperation, we will be able to build the Bangladesh we aspire to, InshaAllah.

I wish every success for all programs undertaken on the occasion of “Great May Day and National Occupational Health and Safety Day 2026.”