Key Highlights:
- In Bangladesh, the success tale of the readymade garment (RMG) industry, constituting around 85% of the nation’s export earnings
- Bangladesh has endorsed 8 out of 10 fundamental conventions and 2 out of 4 Governance Conventions, while actively promoting 6 out of 176 Technical Conventions
- Bangladesh grapples with an influx of 2.2 million young workers joining the labor force annually
May Day, a day steeped in history and symbolism, is celebrated worldwide with a multitude of meanings and customs. Celebrated annually on the 1st of May, it is a day dedicated to honoring the contributions and sacrifices of the working class.
The roots of this observance in Bangladesh trace back to the country’s struggle for independence and its ongoing journey towards economic development. This year’s May Day is poised to shed light on the escalating challenges that the laboring masses worldwide are bound to confront due to the impacts of climate change.
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While millions of workers in South and Southeast Asia endure grueling conditions under the scorching sun, their counterparts in regions like Pakistan, China, and Kenya are seeking refuge in makeshift relief camps.
As the most vulnerable segment of society, the working class often bears the brunt of natural disasters. Against this backdrop, Bangladesh has adopted the theme “Sramik-Malik Gorbo Desh, Smart Hobey Bangladesh” (As workers and owners, shall we build the country, it’ll be a smart Bangladesh) for this year’s May Day celebration, highlighting the collaborative effort needed to ensure a resilient and prosperous nation.
While Bangladesh commemorates Labor Day, it’s imperative to acknowledge that the nation’s prosperity is deeply rooted in the substantial contributions of workers across various sectors, notably the RMG industry.
Bangladesh’s Bid to Uplift Garment Workers’ Rights
In Bangladesh, the success tale of the readymade garment (RMG) industry, constituting around 85% of the nation’s export earnings, is primarily spun from the tireless efforts of approximately 4 million workers with 60% being women within this sector. Upholding the rights and welfare of garment workers has consistently been a contentious issue.
Given the RMG sector’s intricate path through international trade, prioritizing the rights and well-being of workers isn’t merely a preference for industry stakeholders; it’s an imperative. Recently, the push for granting workers more liberty to establish unions and voice their concerns has gained global attention.
In this context, it’s noteworthy that the Labor Ministry has proposed amendments to the labor law, aiming to provide workers with greater freedom of association. These proposed revisions are set to be introduced during the upcoming budget session of parliament, with expectations to address concerns raised by the country’s trading partners and the International Labor Organization (ILO).
Ratified ILO Conventions
The International Labor Organization (ILO) conventions lay out global standards for labor principles and rights. Bangladesh has ratified 36 of these conventions. Bangladesh has endorsed 8 out of 10 fundamental conventions and 2 out of 4 Governance Conventions, while actively promoting 6 out of 176 Technical Conventions. The most recent conventions ratified in 2022 were the Minimum Age Convention (C138) and the Protocol of 2014 to the Forced Labor Convention (P029).
In 2022, Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations (CEACR) offered observations on the Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organize Convention (C087). The government has committed to addressing all outstanding issues outlined in this constitution through a roadmap of actions.
The Sustainable Development Goals indicator 8.8.2 monitors compliance with fundamental labor rights. Bangladesh’s score has declined from a high of 5.0 in 2015 to 7.5 in 2021 (on a scale of 0 to 10, where 0 is the best).
Reskilling Workers to Achieve Job Policy Targets
Bangladesh grapples with an influx of 2.2 million young workers joining the labor force annually. To address this, the National Employment Policy, initiated in 2022, aims to create 30 million jobs by 2030 and cultivate a skilled workforce to compete globally.
The policy delineates sector-specific strategies for agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, ICT, health, ports, and maritime industries. According to the latest Labor Force Survey of 2022, Bangladesh’s workforce comprises 71 million individuals, predominantly male, accounting for 65% of total employment. Urban areas host a quarter (25%) of workers, while rural areas accommodate three-quarters (75%).
Noteworthy changes in employment status include a rise in employer and self-employed segments. Conversely, the number of unpaid family workers, particularly among rural women, has steadily declined since 2010 and into the early 2020s. This trend aligns with the proliferation of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which have experienced remarkable growth over the past decade.
Since the mid-1980s, the number of MSMEs has increased four to fivefold, emerging as a vital source of employment, particularly for women. MSMEs now contribute approximately 25% to the country’s GDP. While MSMEs flourish, the expansion of formal employment opportunities has stagnated, presenting a challenge in advancing the formalization of employment processes.
The government actively promotes various employment initiatives, tax incentives, and job training programs targeted at young job seekers. However, the evolving landscape of the job market poses challenges, particularly with a growing cohort of highly educated youth. This influx of well-educated individuals exerts pressure on the creation of quality job opportunities, resulting in an oversupply of labor.
Despite efforts, educated youth encounter barriers to entering the workforce, often facing a dearth of decent employment options. This shift also impacts migration trends, with fewer youths opting to emigrate as a means to escape unemployment. Consequently, these dynamics are contributing to a gradual increase in youth unemployment rates.
As we mark yet another May Day, the essence of this global celebration resonates deeply, reflecting not just on the past struggles and triumphs of the laboring masses but also on the pressing challenges of our time.
Bangladesh stands at the crossroads of progress, recognizing the pivotal role of its workers, particularly within the RMG industry, in shaping its economic landscape.
Initiatives like the National Employment Policy underscore Bangladesh’s proactive approach in nurturing a skilled workforce to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving job market. As we navigate the complexities of modern labor dynamics, let us reaffirm our dedication to building a future where every worker is valued, protected, and empowered to thrive in a smart and resilient Bangladesh.
