The Bangladesh Trade Union Center (TUC) has demanded a national minimum wage of Tk 30,000 for workers, ensuring free trade union rights and implementing the recommendations of the Labor Reform Commission.

TUC leaders raised these demands at a rally organized on Topkhana Road in the capital on Thursday to mark May Day. A rally and mass music performance were held before the rally, where songs were performed by the Bangladesh Udichi Shilpi Group.

Speakers at the rally said, “Even though 139 years have passed since the historic Chicago workers’ movement of 1886, workers in Bangladesh are still struggling to achieve fair wages and rights.” Although an 8-hour workday is in effect for government employees, private sector workers are still deprived of that benefit.

The speakers also said, “Even after the change of government in 2024, working people are still being exploited and oppressed. Rationing system for workers, safety at work, and especially for women workers, equal pay, maternity leave and equality in employment must be ensured.”

TUC leaders strongly demanded the formation of a permanent wage commission to set a national minimum wage of Tk 30,000. They also urged the government to ensure affordable rations, housing, medical services and social security.

TUC Vice President Mahbub Alam presided over the rally. Vice President Abdur Razzak, Finance Secretary Kazi Ruhul Amin, Office Secretary Sahida Parveen, Publicity Secretary Mobarak Hossain, Education and Research Secretary Aslam Khan, Garment Workers Leader Idris Ali and Hawkers Leader Murshiqul Islam Shimul, among others, spoke.