Labour activists in Bangladesh have presented a 15-point manifesto to political parties, calling for labour rights and social justice to be prioritised in the next national election.

The manifesto was unveiled on Tuesday at the Bangladesh-China Friendship International Conference Centre under the banner of the National Workers’ Rights Advocacy Alliance, with representatives from several political parties in attendance.

Alliance leaders said workers have played a central role in political movements but are often neglected once governments take office. Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmmed, member secretary of the alliance, said workers continue to face job insecurity, low wages, and weak social protection.

The manifesto proposes amendments to labour laws to ensure legal recognition for all workers and the introduction of a national minimum wage that guarantees a dignified standard of living. It also calls for stronger workplace safety, higher compensation for industrial accidents, transparent investigations, and expanded social protection covering food, housing, and healthcare.

Other demands include full freedom of association and collective bargaining, including in export processing zones, gender equality at work, measures to prevent harassment and violence, and six months of paid maternity leave.

The alliance also highlighted challenges from climate change and automation, proposing a National Permanent Labour Commission to address labour crises and ensure accountability.

Political leaders welcomed the demands but raised concerns over implementation. BNP leader Abdul Moyeen Khan questioned how the required resources would be generated, while Jamaat-e-Islami’s Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair stressed skills development over welfare.

Several parties said the manifesto would inform their election commitments.