Bangladesh shop workers demand better labor protection at national convention

The Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE) was criticized for not enforcing labor laws despite increasing its workforce from 406 to 1,172. The participants rejected DIFE's claim of manpower shortages as an excuse for inaction.

Rafiqul Islam Babul, President of NSEF, chaired the gathering which included 82 delegates from shop unions across Bangladesh. Representatives from the Labour Reform Commission, UNI Bangladesh Liaison Council (BLC), and several solidarity support organizations were present. Gerard Dwyer, President of UNI Apro Commerce and UNI Global Union, along with Alice Chang, UNI Apro Commerce Director participated virtually.

Rajendra Acharya, Regional Secretary of UNI Asia & Pacific remarked: “Shop workers in Bangladesh have contributed to the country’s economy and growth, yet their rights are continually denied and their plight ignored. We urge the Government of Bangladesh to take responsibility and act without delay. These are not new demands; they are basic protections that every worker deserves.”

UNI Asia and Pacific expressed full solidarity with NSEF in its efforts to hold the government accountable for ensuring dignity and legal recognition for all shop workers in Bangladesh.