International Workers’ Day, or Labor Day, is observed around the world on May 1 every year. It commemorates the struggles and achievements of the labor movement and serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight for fair wages, safe working conditions, and social justice. On 14 July 1889, international socialist organizations declared May 1 as International Workers’ Day. The International Labour Organization (ILO), a specialized agency of the United Nations, was later established to regulate labor standards globally. Bangladesh is a key signatory of several ILO conventions. Like many other countries, Bangladesh observes May Day with various events and initiatives aimed at promoting labor rights and improving the welfare of its workers.

This year, the day as usual began with goodwill messages from the President, Prime Minister, and the Ministry of Labour, addressed to the nation’s workers. Various trade unions will organize rallies and events highlighting labor rights. While these annual observances are routine, the rights of workers in Bangladesh remain far from fully realized. Nevertheless, wage earners continue to form the backbone of Bangladesh’s economy, contributing significantly to its stability and growth. Among them, garment workers, migrant workers, rickshaw pullers, day laborers, and farmers play particularly vital roles and have done so since the country’s independence.

Dedication of garment workers

From being termed a "bottomless basket" to becoming the world’s 41st-largest economy, Bangladesh’s progress has been remarkable—made possible largely by the tireless efforts of its wage earners. The garment sector, in particular, is a pillar of the national economy. Garment workers are central to Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) industry, which is the country’s largest export sector. In 2023, approximately four million garment workers contributed to 85 percent of Bangladesh’s $55 billion in annual exports. The sector generated over $43 billion in foreign currency in FY 2023–24 and accounts for over 10 percent of the country’s GDP. Notably, RMG exports comprised less than 4 percent of total exports in 1983–84, but by 2022–23, they had surged to 84 percent. This transformation would not have been possible without the dedication of the nation’s garment workers.

In recognition of their importance, the government has taken some steps to improve their welfare. Under national labor law, wage boards are constituted every five years to revise minimum wages in each industry, including RMG. The interim government has also set up a labor reform commission to recommend further improvements. Despite this, workers continue to face challenges such as low pay, long hours, and unsafe working conditions.

Sacrifice of expatriates

Migrant workers are another major contributor to Bangladesh’s economic development. The country is the world’s seventh-largest recipient of remittances—its second-largest source of foreign earnings. Today, about 15 million Bangladeshis work abroad. Following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government in August 2024, remittances reached a record $26.9 billion—a 23 percent year-on-year increase—playing a crucial role in stabilizing the country’s foreign exchange reserves. These achievements are due to the hard work and sacrifices of expatriates who leave their families and homes in search of better livelihoods.

To support these workers, the government offers a 2 percent incentive on remittances sent through official channels and attempts to provide consular support abroad. However, many migrant workers report inadequate services from Bangladeshi embassies, leading to frustration and hardship.

Needed better, safer working conditions

Agriculture remains the backbone of the Bangladesh economy, with nearly 80 percent of the population directly or indirectly involved in the sector. Farmers contribute approximately 14 percent to the national GDP and are essential to the country’s food security. In addition to producing staple crops like rice, they also generate export earnings through commodities such as jute and tea. Yet, many farmers struggle due to low prices for their produce and lack of access to modern technology and government support.

In addition to these key groups, countless others—day laborers, rickshaw pullers, blacksmiths, and porters—quietly strengthen Bangladesh’s economy every day. On this May Day, several organizations including Trade Union Kendra, Garment Sramik Trade Union Kendra, Garments Sramik Samhati, and Sramik Karmachari Oikya Parishad organized rallies and discussions in solidarity with the working class. However, it remains to be seen whether these events will translate into meaningful changes in the lives of marginalized workers.

The original principles behind May Day—demanding an eight-hour workday, fair wages, and safe working conditions—are still far from being fully realized in Bangladesh. Without addressing these core issues, the country risks falling behind others in achieving inclusive and sustainable economic development.

(The author is a foreign policy and security analyst and educator who holds a postgraduate degree from the Department of International Relations, Rajshahi University, Bangladesh. Views expressed are personal. He can be contacted at alaminislamshuvo16@gmail.com )