The country’s labour force has not received a fair share of wages over the past decade, despite Bangladesh's economic growth, said Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya, head of the White Paper Committee on the state of the economy.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting with labour union leaders at the Nazia-Salma Conference Hall in the Planning Commission on Monday, Dr. Debapriya noted, “Despite the development Bangladesh has witnessed in recent years, the labour class has not seen a corresponding increase in their wages.”
Dr. Debapriya, also a distinguished fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), said that labour leaders raised concerns about inadequate wages and basic social security provisions during the meeting. According to him, workers face significant challenges in securing decent accommodation and maternity leave, highlighting the lack of robust safety and security measures.
Labour leaders also expressed frustration over the insufficient efforts to restart closed factories, attributing it to the actions of vested interests and deviations in government regulations. They further alleged that trade union activities are hampered by restrictions, preventing them from effectively advocating for workers' rights.
“There are gaps in ensuring welfare initiatives such as provident funds and social security for workers,” Dr. Debapriya added, echoing the concerns of the labour leaders.
Additionally, the leaders pointed out that Bangladesh's labour laws have not been updated to meet global standards or adapt to changes in the modern economy, including the integration of artificial intelligence and advanced technologies into the workforce.
“These issues were central to explaining why workers have not received fair wages and benefits, even as the country progresses,” Dr. Debapriya remarked.
Despite these challenges, he noted that labour leaders remain optimistic about moving forward and improving conditions for workers.
Dr. Debapriya also provided an update on the progress of the White Paper Committee’s work. "We have already met with young entrepreneurs and government agencies that handle data, as well as social groups like business leaders and labour unions. We plan to hold more sector-specific discussions, including with foreign investors and development partners," he said.
The committee has also scheduled town hall meetings in Chattogram, Rajshahi, and Sylhet to gather input for their report. Dr. Debapriya explained that after collecting data from these meetings and other consultations, the committee will draft its report, aiming to complete it within three months.
“We are incorporating the findings from various studies and consultations and will share the draft report with the Chief Adviser before releasing it to the media,” he said.
