Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina urged all concerned to ensure good relations between the owners and workers for the development of the country’s industrial sector.
She also urged the workers to refrain from any act of the destructive movement. The Prime Minister also insisted on the role of owners for the establishment of workers’ rights.
The premier was addressing a discussion on the occasion of May Day (May 1) at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre on Friday afternoon.
At the beginning of her speech, she recalled those who sacrificed their lives for establishing the rights of workers and during the war for independence and democratic movements.
At the time, Sheikh Hasina recalled Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. He fought for the rights of deprived people in his whole life. The father of the nation said the world is divided into two parts --the exploited and the ruling class. He stood aside exploited ones,” she added.
“We are doing the politics taught by the Father of the Nation”, the premier further said.
Citing role of trade unions is very important in realizing the rights of workers, the Prime Minister said, there is no alternative but honest and competent leadership to direct the workers on right way.
The country has glorious history of the labor movement. But it will not be allowed any destructive act in the name of labor movement, she warned the workers.
Admitting the necessity of trade unions, the primer said, “I hope, the trade union leaders will always be sensible to assess the national and international situation. They will take practical program to protect labor rights and industrialization in the country.”
Citing the government has confirmed free education to ensure workers’ children’s rights of education; Sheikh Hasina said her government is providing scholarships for girls up to degree level.
The Prime Minister urged owners of the industry to be more dedicated to protect the dignity of labor and the welfare of the workers. Workers are the lifelines of the factory as well as the architects of the development.
Citing the government is working with the aim of implementing Vision 2021 and 2041; the Prime Minister said industrialization is the precondition for the implementation of this vision.
The Prime Minister said with the steps taken by us, the poverty rate has dropped into 24 percent. This government has three years and eight months in its hand. By this time, they want to reduce the poverty rate to 10 percent.
The premier urged all to work together for the development of the country rise above the personal interests. She said, “We will do that work as we can raise the head at the world stage.”
