Jamaat Ameer vows continued fight for workers’ rights inside and outside parliament

The Leader of the Opposition and Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Dr Shafiqur Rahman, has said his party will continue its struggle for workers’ rights both inside and outside parliament.

He made the remarks while addressing a workers’ rally as chief guest at the south gate of the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque on Thursday (1 May) in the capital, marking International Workers’ Day.

Bangladesh Sramik Kalyan Federation organised the workers’ rally.

Referring to the origins of May Day, Dr Rahman said the historic events in Chicago occurred 140 years ago are commemorated worldwide each year and recognised by the United Nations. He criticised successive governments and political parties for failing to deliver on promises made to workers, arguing that even a fraction of those commitments, if implemented, could have resolved many workers’ grievances by now.

He noted that concern for workers tends to resurface only around 1 May each year, while their issues remain largely neglected throughout the rest of the year.

Emphasising the importance of the working population, he said no society can achieve sustainable development without ensuring their dignity and rights.

Dr Rahman also criticised what he described as exploitative political practices, alleging that some leaders use workers’ movements for personal gain while leaving conditions unchanged.

He rejected confrontational “class conflict” politics, instead advocating a model based on mutual respect between employers and workers.

He said fair treatment by employers would encourage workers to contribute fully, while exploitation would ultimately harm both sides.

Highlighting the plight of migrant workers, he said many risk their lives at sea in search of better opportunities, while others face exploitation by brokers and syndicates even when migrating through legal channels.

He described difficult living conditions abroad and called for greater accountability from Bangladeshi missions overseas, questioning their effectiveness in supporting expatriate workers.

The Jamaat Ameer said politics should serve as a platform for reform and reiterated his commitment to raising the concerns of disadvantaged people in parliament.

He added that his party’s movement for workers’ rights would continue until justice and dignity are ensured.

The rally was chaired by Advocate Atikur Rahman, President of the federation, and conducted by General Secretary Laskar Mohammad Taslim. Among the special guests were former MP ANM Shamsul Islam, Jamaat Secretary General and former MP Mia Golam Parwar, Assistant Secretary Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan MP, Executive Council Member Nurul Islam Bulbul MP, Dhaka North Ameer Selim Uddin, and Islami Chhatra Shibir Secretary General Sigbatullah.