Jamaat-e-Islami advocates peaceful labor relations

Opposition Leader and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has said his party advocates for a peaceful and amicable relationship between employers and workers, firmly rejecting workplace conflict. 

He made the remarks on Friday afternoon while addressing a May Day workers' rally as the chief guest. Organized by the Bangladesh Sramik Kalyan Federation, the event was held at the south gate of the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in the capital. 

Highlighting his party's vision for labor rights, Shafiqur emphasized the need for fairness and mutual cooperation. "Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami believes in a just and peaceful relationship between owners and workers. We want a system where a worker's wages are paid before their sweat dries, allowing employers and laborers to work shoulder to shoulder to keep the country's economy moving," he told the gathering. 

The opposition leader also delivered a strong rebuke to Bangladeshi diplomatic missions abroad, accusing them of failing to protect the interests of expatriate workers. 

He stated that embassies unable to ensure the minimum rights and security of migrant workers have no justification to remain operational. If necessary, he argued, such ineffective embassies should be shut down entirely. 

Touching upon Jamaat-e-Islami’s role in the National Parliament, Shafiqur clarified his party's political focus. "We do not go to Parliament to be teachers or students of history. Jamaat wants to speak for the rights of the people and represent the exploited and marginalized classes," he asserted. 

The May Day rally drew a large crowd and was attended by senior central and metropolitan leaders from both Jamaat-e-Islami and the Sramik Kalyan Federation.