DHAKA, April 27, 2024 (BSS) - 'The National Occupational Health and Safety Day-2024' will be observed in the country in a befitting manner tomorrow.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina greeted all the hard-working people of the world in separate messages on the eve of the 'National Occupational Health and Safety Day-2024'.

The President, in his message, said this year's theme of the day "Sustha Sramik, Shovon Kormo Poribesh, Gore Tuli Smart Bangladesh (Healthy workers, decent workplaces, build a Smart Bangladesh)," is very time-befitting and appropriate one.

He said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had struggled throughout his life for establishing the rights of exploited and deprived working-class people.

Bangladesh under the leadership of Bangabandhu became member of International Labour Organization (ILO) in 1972 and in the same year, Bangabandhu declared country's labour policy, the President added.

He said 'Bangladesh Labor Act 2006' and 'Bangladesh Labor Rules 2015' were formulated to ensure safe and decent working environment.
 
Mohammed Shahbuddin said following the principles and ideology of Bangabandhu, the present government is implementing various welfare programmes to achieve Sustainable Development Goals and build a prosperous Smart Bangladesh by 2041.

He urged all concerned, including the government, owners and labour community to work together for making health safety practice in the workplace as a national culture in accordance with the national and international labor standards.

In her message, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina greeted all working-class people of Bangladesh and all over the world on the occasion of the day.

During the three and a half years rule, the greatest Bengali of all time, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman laid emphasis on the welfare of the working-class people, she said, adding that Bangabandhu declared labour policy for the first time on September 27, 1972 and formed wage commission for industrial workers and fixed minimum wages in different sectors.
 
She said her government amended and updated the Bangladesh Labour Act putting much emphasis on ensuring health safety and proper and safe work environment for workers following the ideology of Bangabandhu.

Awami League government has formulated 'National Occupational Health and Safety Policy 2013' and 'Bangladesh Labour Rules 2015', she said, adding that National Occupational Safety and Health Training and Research Institute (NOSHTRI) was established in Rajshahi for enhancing the skills of workers, owners and factory management authorities in line with the international standard and protocol.

The Prime Minister said in line with the Awami League's election manifesto, the government's main priority is to flourish industrial sector and ensure workers' rights and decent working environment for building a developed-prosperous and Smart Bangladesh.

Country's labour sector will have to be built as a smart one for improving the life standard of the working-class people and professional safety and security, she added.
 
Sheikh Hasina urged all concerned to work together to build a hungry-poverty free developed 'Sonar Bangla' as dreamt by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

The President and the Prime Minister wished success of all programmes of the day.