Dhaka, May 1: On the occasion of International Workers’ Day, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, expressed grave concerns regarding the current state of the country. She stated that the progress made in the industrial and agricultural sectors over the past fifteen years has been hindered since August 5, 2024.
Hasina accused the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus of engaging in “retaliatory actions,” which resulted in the closure of thousands of factories, including those in the garment sector. This turmoil has led to 2.1 million workers losing their jobs within a year.
The Awami League shared Hasina’s statement on their social media platform X, highlighting her remarks: “I regret to say that the momentum we had gained in industry and agriculture over the past fifteen years came to a halt after August 5, 2024. Due to the retaliatory actions of the Yunus government, thousands of factories, including those in the garment industry, have shut down. By September 2025, 3 million people have fallen below the poverty line. This trend of crisis continues.”
International Workers’ Day, also known as May Day, is celebrated worldwide to honor the historical movements and courage of workers who fought for their rights.
Addressing the people of Bangladesh, Hasina reminded them of the sacrifices made by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to secure the rights of the oppressed and the working class. She stated that following his ideals, the Awami League government has initiated several measures to improve the living standards and welfare of workers during its tenure.
She mentioned various laws, including the Bangladesh Labour (Amendment) Act 2018, the National Labour Policy 2012 to ensure social respect for workers, the National Child Labour Elimination Policy 2010, the National Occupational Health and Safety Policy 2013, the Bangladesh Labour Rules 2015, and the Domestic Workers Protection and Welfare Policy 2015.
Hasina noted that these initiatives taken during the Awami League government have contributed to establishing Bangladesh as a stable and emerging economy on the global stage. Warning that the economic crisis initiated during the previous interim government still persists, she emphasized, “No country can progress by shutting down industries, eliminating jobs, and weakening farmers.”
On this historic day, Hasina reminded everyone that the Awami League has always stood by the rights, interests, and welfare of workers. “We will surely overcome this difficult phase and bring Bangladesh’s economy back on the path of development,” she concluded.