Yunus calls for improved worker-owner relations

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus stressed the need to strengthen relationships between workers and owners across all sectors, including factories. 

He made these remarks during a discussion titled 'National Business Dialogue' with leading business figures at a hotel in Dhaka on Thursday (September 12) afternoon.

Yunus expressed optimism about enhancing worker-owner relations during the interim government's tenure, stating, "I have great hope that during our time here, the relationship between workers and owners will improve."

Addressing Bangladesh's delayed participation in the Geneva Convention, the Chief Adviser acknowledged the need for collective effort, saying, "It’s been a long time, and we haven’t yet joined the Geneva Convention. We need everyone—workers, owners, and the government—to come together as a team to achieve this."

He emphasised the importance of collaboration to ensure progress, adding, "Without taking this step, it will be difficult to move forward. Wherever you go, obstacles will arise. They’ll point out that you’re not meeting the conditions workers deserve. To move forward, we must make our intentions clear."

Yunus also urged business leaders to unite in building a new Bangladesh, enhancing productivity, capacity, and competitiveness to help the country thrive in the global market. "We need to move ahead as a compact team, as a family. Let’s work together and build a new Bangladesh," he said, praising the entrepreneurial spirit of Bangladesh's business community.

He remarked that this moment presents an opportunity to reshape Bangladesh’s economy and escape the dysfunctional system of the past 15 years. "We can achieve this together. You’ve already shown that you can," said the Nobel Laureate, describing the businesspeople as world-class entrepreneurs.

The event, titled "National Business Dialogue", was hosted by the International Chamber of Commerce, Bangladesh (ICCB). 

Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud and Finance and Commerce Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed attended as special guests, while business leader Mir Nasir Hossain spoke on behalf of ICCB President Mahbubur Rahman.

Yunus highlighted the significance of the recent student-led movement, stating, "This was not an ordinary political movement; the students led it with an uncompromising spirit to achieve a new Bangladesh." He urged business leaders to seize the moment, noting, "Opportunities like this don't come often, and we don't know if we will get such a chance again. We must not let this opportunity go to waste."

The Chief Adviser also introduced his special envoy on international affairs, Lutfey Siddiqui, and expressed hope that he would effectively represent the business community's interests to international partners. 

"Let’s pursue reforms together. My hope is to see a strong worker-owner relationship. We can't move forward if workers' issues remain unresolved. If we want to progress, give us the courage to do so," Yunus concluded.