On the occasion of International Workers’ Day, I write as the Bangladesh representative of the International Society for Human Rights to reflect on the state of labour in our nation. While our working class is the backbone of our economy, driving unprecedented growth through the ready-made garment (RMG) sector and beyond, there remains a stark disconnect between national prosperity and the daily lived reality of those who build it.

Bangladesh possesses a robust legal framework, primarily defined by the Bangladesh Labour Act of 2006. This legislation promises fundamental protections: fair wages, workplace safety, and the right to organise. Yet, in practice, these protections are frequently sidelined. Many workers continue to operate without formal appointment letters or job security, trapped in a cycle of exhausting hours and inadequate social protection.

The current economic climate has exacerbated these vulnerabilities. Most pressingly, the disconnect between the official minimum wage and the skyrocketing cost of living is not merely an economic oversight; it is a human rights crisis. When wages fail to cover basic needs, the dignity of the labourer is systematically eroded.

The right to freedom of association is the cornerstone of collective bargaining, yet it remains under threat. Workers attempting to form or join trade unions frequently face intimidation, harassment, or summary dismissal. This environment is particularly stifling within Export Processing Zones (EPZs), where the application of labour rights often falls short of international standards. Furthermore, our women workers who form the majority of the garment workforce; continue to face systemic discrimination, including wage gaps, workplace insecurity, and a lack of representation in decision-making spheres.

To be fair, there have been gains. International pressure from the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the European Union has catalyzed meaningful, albeit localized, reforms in workplace safety. However, progress remains fragmented, benefiting specific industries while leaving others behind.

To bridge the gap between our current reality and a just society, we must commit to the following actions:

Rigorous Enforcement: Ensure the Bangladesh Labour Act 2006 is upheld with impartiality, moving beyond words on paper to consistent on-ground compliance.

Freedom of Association: Remove all barriers to unionization, protecting those who seek to organize from retaliation.

A Living, Not Just Minimum, Wage: Align wage structures with the current, realistic cost of living to ensure that no worker lives in poverty.

Safety and Accountability: Strengthen the institutional mechanisms that monitor and enforce occupational health and safety standards across every industry.
Empowering Women: Create a truly equitable workplace by eliminating gender-based discrimination and ensuring women have a voice at the decision-making table.

International Workers’ Day is more than a date on the calendar; it is a reminder of the unfinished work of justice. We must stop viewing labour as a mere commodity and start treating workers as stakeholders with inherent rights.

As we look toward the future, we must hold firmly to this guiding principle: Workers’ rights are human rights. I urge all stakeholders- government, industry leaders, and civil society to move beyond rhetoric and take the meaningful steps necessary to build a fair, humane, and sustainable future for every worker in Bangladesh.

Hasan Hamid
ISHR National Associate & Country Representative in Bangladesh