‘Workers should be equal partners with equitable share of wealth'

Workers should be equal partners of growth and the goal can be achieved by giving them equitable share of the wealth they create, said prime minister's International Relation Affairs Adviser Professor Dr Gowher Rizvi.

"Unfortunately labour is still often seen as a commodity," Rizvi said while addressing a national dialogue on the 'Future of Work' as the chief guest on Thursday.

The event, held at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center in Dhaka, also celebrated the 100 years of the International Labour Organization (ILO).

Congratulating the United Nations agency, Dr Rizvi said, "The ILO stands prominent by serving humanity for the last century."

Chairing the event, State Minister for Labour and Employment Begum Monnujan Sufian said, "I would like to acknowledge the support of the ILO in our journey since 1972. There is increasing use of automation, artificial intelligence and robotics in enterprises. 

"To address the challenges that may rise from these technological changes, harmonious cooperation between workers and employers is important."

In January 2019, an independent report titled "Global Commission on the Future of Work report" was published by the ILO. 

The report called for a human-centered agenda for the future of work through increased investment in people's capabilities, strengthening the institutions of work and advancing decent and sustainable work. 

These recommendations were reiterated at the dialogue on the Future of Work.

Foreign Secretary Md Shahidul Haque wrapped up the programme underscoring the important policy recommendations proposed by the distinguished speakers.

Labour Secretary KM Ali Azam, Secretary of the Ministry of Law Naren Das and Executive Chairman of National Skills Development Authority Md Faruque Hossain were present at the programme among many others.

The event was jointly organised by the Ministry of Labour and Employment and the ILO.