On Thursday, the ex-Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, shed light on the miserable condition of all segments of society, particularly the condition of workers and farmers. She pointed out that since the illegal grab of power by anti-state conspirators on August 5 last year, the working class has been driven into severe hardship.
Sending her wishes to all "working and toiling people" of Bangladesh and other countries on the eve of May Day, Hasina said that no section has suffered more sacrifices than the workers and the farmers. These are the same persons whose untiring labor and dedication were responsible for establishing an independent and prosperous Bangladesh.
She bemoaned the destructive effect of the political conspiracy, which she listed as the shut-down of most factories, robbery, and sabotage of industries. Millions of employees have since lost their jobs as a result. The sharp rise in unemployment and history-making inflation rates have made the lives of workers unbearable. The majority of workers did not receive their rightful wages and bonuses on the occasion of Eid, and they who exercised their rights were also subjected to atrocities like firing by private militias of the illegitimate rulers. Hasina also spoke of the tragic reality that a significant number of farmers and workers resorted to suicide.
The former Prime Minister reasserted that the Awami League, being a party dedicated to the oppressed from its inception, has been working assiduously to promote the welfare of workers and guarantee their rights, in keeping with the vision established by the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. She emphasized that the Awami League government took initiatives for the protection of women workers like maternity leave and a sexual harassment policy.
Hasina further pointed out that whenever the Awami League came into power, it attempted to bring betterment in workers' lives as per Bangabandhu's vision. Formation of the Bangladesh Workers Welfare Foundation, in which money is paid out in the event of accident on the job, disability, death, medical care if a serious disease is contracted, and education for children of workers, was one such effort. Apart from that, a center fund was established to support workers in the export-oriented garment sector, and wages and allowances were raised in many various industries.
She also emphasized the significant role played by the Awami League government in shaping Bangladesh's collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO). Reflecting on the pivotal role of workers in the country's struggle for independence and Liberation War, Hasina reaffirmed that a historic partnership has been forged between the Awami League and workers. She told of her firm belief that, as earlier, workers and peasants will be part of the leading forces in the struggle to oust the "illegal occupiers" and retake the "dream" of Bangladesh.
"Our workers embody a glorious tradition of courage, unity, and an indomitable fight for justice," Hasina said. "May Day continues to inspire us in this endless struggle. On this ancient day, I wish to offer my deepest respect to all the workers of Bangladesh. United, we shall overcome the darkness and restore the golden days of prosperity."
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