Nurunnisa Siddiqua, secretary of the women’s wing of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, has lamented that female workers in Bangladesh continue to face widespread discrimination both at workplaces and in society.
In a statement marking International Workers' Day, she expressed solidarity with workers across the country, saying they are the main driving force of the country’s economy, sustaining production in all sectors from agriculture to industry through their sweat and hard work.
However, many are still deprived of fair wages, safe working conditions and basic rights, Nurunnisa Siddiqua said.
Highlighting the condition of women workers, she said a large number of women are engaged in the workforce but continue to face “double discrimination”—both at workplace and in society due to insecurity.
“It is the moral responsibility of the state to protect their rights and ensure their dignity,” the Jamaat women’s wing leader added.
Referring to Islamic teachings, she noted that the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SM) emphasises the payment of workers’ wages before their sweat dries.
Nurunnisa Siddiqua called on the authorities concerned to take effective steps to meet workers’ legitimate demands, properly implement labour laws and improve working conditions.
She said International Workers’ Day is not just a day but a symbol of the struggle to establish workers’ rights, urging all to work together to build a just society.