A discussion meeting was held in the capital on Friday marking International Workers’ Day and May Day, with speakers stressing the need to ensure workers’ rights, safe workplaces and a corruption-free Bangladesh.
The programme was organised by Citizens Against Corruption (CAC) at the auditorium of Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) under the theme: “Workers’ Rights, End of Corruption: A Transparent Campaign for a Prosperous Future.”
The event was chaired by Yusuf Hossain, chairman of CAC, while its General Secretary Salman Mahmud moderated the programme.
Former secretary and former chairman of Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) Margub Morshed attended the event as the chief guest.
Among the special guests were adviser to CAC and businessman-researcher Dr Mostafizur Rahman, industrialist and film personality Khorshed Alam Khosru, DRU President Abu Saleh Akon, and poet Ashraful Islam.
Speaking at the event, Yusuf Hossain said workers are the driving force of the country’s economy, yet many are still deprived of fair wages, workplace safety and social dignity.
He called for the formulation and implementation of worker-friendly policies to eliminate such inequalities and ensure fair wages, healthcare facilities, social security and safe working environments for workers in the garments, construction, transport and industrial sectors.
Chief guest Margub Morshed said sustainable development would not be possible without a corruption-free administration and worker-friendly policies.
He stressed the need for accountability and coordination among the state, employers and workers.
Salman Mahmud said CAC has begun its journey with the goal of building a worker-friendly, business-friendly and safe Bangladesh by eliminating corruption and irregularities from society.
CAC Vice-President Shakhawat Hossain also spoke at the event.
Dr Mostafizur Rahman said ensuring workers’ rights is not only a humanitarian responsibility but also a prerequisite for the country’s economic progress.
Khorshed Alam Khosru said workers across different sectors, including the film industry, play a vital role in the country and deserve proper healthcare and welfare support.
He also said CAC would continue reaching out to people across the country every month to campaign against corruption and irregularities.
The speakers at the programme also underscored the importance of strengthening social movements and raising public awareness to prevent corruption at all levels of society.