Will not exempt workers from fair dues deprivation: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina delivered a resolute message on May Day, emphasizing justice for workers regardless of stature or affiliation. Speaking at the Ministry of Labor and Employment‍‍`s discussion meeting at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center.

She declared, "If anyone deprives the workers of their fair dues, no matter who they are, no matter how big they are, even if it is a person of international repute, we will not leave, we will not leave."

Addressing the gathering, she underscored the imperative of ensuring workers receive their rightful entitlements. "No one will be spared in realizing the rights of workers, denying them their due. Workers should be paid their dues, they should be looked after," she asserted.

Additionally, she urged employers to prioritize workers‍‍` welfare over luxury.

Highlighting the Awami League‍‍`s commitment to supporting workers during adversity, she contrasted her party‍‍`s stance with the destructive actions of the BNP-Jamaat alliance.

"BNP-Jamaat alliance burnt people to death. Bus-Truck-Train-Launch is nothing that hasn‍‍`t caught fire. We have given financial support to all the victims. I arranged treatment free of cost," she lamented, emphasizing the responsibility of the Awami League to safeguard workers‍‍` interests.

Ensuring a conducive working environment and advocating for societal equality, Sheikh Hasina affirmed, "The workers will work in a safe, fair environment. Their quality of life will improve. There is no discrimination. We want a society without discrimination."

Emphasizing Bangladesh‍‍`s global standing, she added, "In this way, we will move forward with labor and soil, people, and stand tall in the heart of the world."

Reflecting on past wage reforms, Sheikh Hasina recalled her administration‍‍`s efforts to enhance workers‍‍` incomes. "In 1996, I made wages from 800 taka to 1,600 taka," she recounted, illustrating the trajectory of wage revisions over the years.

Criticizing the BNP‍‍`s governance, she remarked, "When we came to power in 2014, we raised it again to 8,300 taka," highlighting the contrast between her administration‍‍`s proactive approach and the neglect of previous regimes.

Concluding her address, Sheikh Hasina celebrated the recent wage increases across various sectors, particularly in garments. "Garment workers specially handed over their wages through Bangladesh Bank through mobile phone or bank. We have increased the wages for our working people from 8 thousand to 12 thousand 500 taka," she announced, affirming her government‍‍`s commitment to enhancing workers‍‍` livelihoods beyond the garment industry.