Commerce, Industries, Textiles and Jute Minister Khondkar Abdul Muktadir on Tuesday said a significant part of the country’s workforce still falls within the informal sector.
He emphasized that bringing all sectors gradually under a formal structure is essential for achieving sustainable and balanced national growth.
The minister made the remarks during separate meetings of the Tripartite Consultative Council (TCC) and the RMG TCC at the CIRDAP International Centre in Dhaka.
Factory workers’ arrears must be paid before Eid: Commerce Minister
Highlighting government initiatives for low-income citizens, Muktadir said preparations for the ‘Family Card’ programme, outlined in the election manifesto, are progressing rapidly. Under the programme, each family will receive a card through which support worth BDT 2,500 per month will be provided. While not a direct ration system, the scheme is expected to largely meet ration-related needs.
The minister stressed the importance of regular dialogue to address industrial and labor issues and instructed the labor secretary to hold TCC meetings consistently. He said, “Debates or heated exchanges during discussions are part of the democratic process. There is nothing to fear; sustainable solutions can be reached through dialogue.”
Decision on US tariffs, trade deal after review: Commerce Minister
Muktadir also warned that unless the labor sector is formalized, ensuring compliance with international standards and protecting workers’ rights would be difficult.
The meetings, chaired by Labor and Employment and Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury, also discussed timely payment of wages and allowances and granting holidays to factory workers ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr. The minister urged effective measures to prevent labor unrest in the RMG sector.
State Minister for Labor and Expatriates’ Welfare Md Nurul Haque and Prime Minister’s Adviser Mahdi Amin attended as special guests. Other participants included Fazle Hasan Shamim of the Bangladesh Employers’ Federation and TCC Vice President Anwar Hossain. The sessions were conducted by Labor Secretary Md. Abdur Rahman Torfadar and attended by representatives of both employers and workers.