Govt to partner with private sector for workers' healthcare, insurance

The government will work jointly with the private sector to ensure healthcare, life insurance and overall welfare of workers, Labour Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury said on Thursday.

He stressed the need to reduce bureaucratic red tape and take quick decisions to implement effective initiatives for workers.

A meeting with relevant stakeholders will be held this month to formulate a coordinated action plan, he said.

The minister made the remarks while addressing an event organised jointly by the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) and Guardian Life Insurance Limited in the capital.

He said the government would stand beside established and trusted private institutions that come forward for workers’ welfare.

With sincere cooperation between the government and private sector, it would be possible to bring all workers under healthcare and social protection, he added.

“The problem is not money, but initiative and administrative complications,” the minister said, urging the removal of unnecessary rules and bureaucratic barriers.

He said workers should be treated as national assets, not merely as “labour”. Ensuring healthcare, safe housing and education for their children would improve productivity and reduce workers’ tendency to seek opportunities abroad, he added.

The minister also stressed greater transparency in the management of the Workers’ Welfare Fund. He instructed officials to prepare a comprehensive account of funds deposited and spent since independence, as well as institutions regularly contributing to the fund.

He called for joint efforts by the government, employers and other stakeholders to improve workers’ welfare.