Dhaka, May 20 (V7N) – A roundtable discussion titled "What Kind of Budget Do Workers Want?" was held on Tuesday at the National Press Club in Dhaka, organized by the Bangladesh Textile-Garment Workers Federation. The event aimed to highlight the expectations and demands of workers, particularly garment workers, in the context of the upcoming National Budget for FY 2025-26.

The meeting focused on several key issues, including:

  • Fair wages and wage structure reforms

  • Access to health care for workers and their families

  • Workplace safety and compliance monitoring in the garment sector

The session was presided over by Adv. Mahbubur Rahman Ismail, President of the Bangladesh Textile-Garment Workers Federation. Leaders and members of the federation actively participated in the discussion, stressing the need for a pro-worker budget that prioritizes social protection, employment security, and living wage standards.

Speakers urged the government to allocate specific budgetary provisions to improve the living and working conditions of garment workers, who constitute a significant portion of the national workforce and contribute substantially to the country's export earnings.

The roundtable concluded with a call for greater transparency and inclusivity in the budget formulation process, ensuring that worker voices are reflected in national economic planning.

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