At least 72 workers lost their lives in workplace incidents nationwide during the initial quarter of 2026, marking a significant increase from the previous year’s statistics.
Data released by the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) revealed a total of 168 workplace fatalities in 2025. Among them, 19 fatalities were reported in the first quarter and 64 in the final quarter.
The surge in workplace casualties has raised concerns, according to the rights organization.
Furthermore, the data disclosed that 573 workers sustained injuries in the first three months of this year, nearly doubling the 294 injuries recorded during the same period in 2025. These injuries stemmed from workplace accidents, police interventions in protests, and other violent incidents, as stated by HRSS.
These revelations were made during a forum titled “Workers’ Rights are Human Rights,” held in anticipation of International Workers’ Day, which is commemorated today.
During the event, Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna criticized the lack of workers’ representation in parliament, emphasizing the neglect of their rights and grievances.
Manna referenced the July uprising, highlighting the significant role of students in advocating for citizens’ freedom of expression. However, he pointed out the minimal representation of students and workers in the current government.
Expressing disappointment, Manna noted the absence of parliamentary discussions on workers’ rights, living standards, and economic difficulties despite prolonged sessions.
He also questioned the potential benefits for workers from ongoing debates on state reforms and constitutional amendments.
Manna further raised concerns about the inadequate response to surging costs of essentials, gas, and fuel, along with the inefficiency in distributing social safety net benefits to the intended beneficiaries.
He urged labor leaders to integrate the labor movement into mainstream politics and establish a responsible mass movement to create a welfare state.
Advocate Atiqur Rahman, President of Bangladesh Sramik Kalyan Federation, pointed out that half of the casualties during the July movement were workers, emphasizing the failure of reform commissions to address the concerns of 7.5 crore workers.
He criticized the persistent use of child labor in garment factories.
Rabita Islam, deputy director of Karmojibi Nari, shed light on wage disparities and harsh working conditions faced by female garment workers. She highlighted the plight of workers receiving minimum wages who are often laid off as they age and compelled to join subcontracting factories where they earn meager monthly incomes.
Islam also underscored the absence of childcare facilities for working mothers and the arbitrary termination practices prevalent in the sector.
The discussion was overseen by former National Human Rights Commission commissioner Nur Khan Liton.
