Ten workers’ federations in Bangladesh have formally come together to establish the Bangladesh Confederation of Trade Unions (BCTU), marking a major milestone for the country’s labour movement and opening a new chapter of unity, solidarity, and collective strength for workers nationwide.
The BCTU was officially formed during the National Trade Union Unity Conference 2025, held on 14 December in Dhaka, where delegates adopted the BCTU Constitution. The new body aims to strengthen workers’ collective voice at the national level and advance labour rights, social justice, and democratic trade unionism in an evolving world of work.
Reaffirming international solidarity, Shoya Yoshida, General Secretary of ITUC Asia Pacific, welcomed the formation of the Confederation, saying:
“The formation of the Bangladesh Confederation of Trade Unions is a significant step toward stronger unity and collective strength. A united trade union movement is essential to protect workers’ rights and ensure fair conditions in an evolving world of work.”
The BCTU brings together six existing ITUC-affiliated national centres — the Bangladesh Mukto Sramik Federation (BMSF), Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal (BJSD), Bangladesh Labour Federation (BLF), Bangladesh Free Trade Union Congress (BFTUC), Jatiyo Sramik League (JSL), and Bangladesh Sanjukta Sramik Federation (BSSF) — along with four newly joined federations: the Bangladesh Sramik Federation (BSF), Bangladesh Workers’ Federation (BWF), Jatiya Sramik Federation (JSF), and Sommilito Sramik Federation (SSF).
The creation of a unified confederation strengthens workers’ power to collectively advocate for fair wages, job security, safe working conditions, social protection, equality, and inclusion, in line with the New Social Contract. It also reinforces effective social dialogue with government and employers, while promoting independent and democratic trade unionism in Bangladesh.
The conference drew strong participation from tripartite social partners and representatives from the international trade union movement. In particular, senior representatives from the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Bangladesh Employers’ Federation, Labour Reform Commission, International Labour Organization (ILO), ITUC-Asia Pacific, Solidarity Center, and Global Union Federations were in attendance.
Ms Fahmida Akhtar, NDC, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, attended as Chief Guest and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare.
Mr Zahoor Awan, former Governing Body Member of the ILO, highlighted the importance of unity, drawing on lessons from the Pakistan trade union movement and stressing that collective strength is key to advancing workers’ rights.
From within the Bangladesh trade union movement, Shakil Akhter Chowdhury, Secretary General of the ITUC-Bangladesh Council, emphasised BCTU’s commitment to unity and independence:
“Unity can play a major role in ensuring an improved standard of living for workers, and we all want to move forward together in unity. Our priority is to keep the Confederation free from political interest and work collectively to build a strong and sustainable organisation.”
Following the conference, BCTU leaders held discussions with Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr M Sakhawat Hussain, Labour Adviser at the Ministry of Labour and Employment, and representatives of the Bangladesh Employers’ Federation, underscoring shared commitment to advancing workers’ interests through constructive social dialogue.
Looking ahead, the BCTU will serve as a national platform to strengthen collective bargaining and social dialogue, promote decent work and social protection, advance workers’ participation in policy processes, and deepen engagement with national, regional, and international organisations to uphold workers’ rights and solidarity across Bangladesh.
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