A discussion marking International Workers’ Day was held in Dhaka on Friday, with speakers calling for stronger workers’ rights, safer workplaces and a corruption-free Bangladesh.

The programme, organised by Citizens Against Corruption at the Dhaka Reporters Unity, focused on the theme of ensuring workers’ rights alongside building a transparent and accountable system, said a press release.

Chaired by CAC chairman Yusuf Hossain and moderated by general secretary Salman Mahmud, the event was attended by former Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission chairman Margub Morshed as the chief guest.

Among others, CAC adviser and businessman-researcher Mostafizur Rahman, vice-president Shakhawat Hossain, industrialist and film personality Khorshed Alam Khosru, DRU president Abu Saleh Akon, and poet Ashraful Islam were present at the programme.

Speakers highlighted that workers were the central force behind the country’s economic growth but many still lacked fair wages, workplace safety and social security.

They stressed the need for effective policies to ensure dignity, healthcare and safe working conditions across sectors, such as garments, construction and transport.

Margub Morshed said, ‘Sustainable development depends on both good governance and worker-friendly policies, emphasising accountability among the state, employers and workers.’

The discussion also called for stronger public awareness and social movements to combat corruption and protect workers’ rights as part of building a more equitable and prosperous Bangladesh.