- On October 7, 2024, the Bangladesh Social Protection Advocacy Network (BSPAN) organized an event at the National Press Club in Dhaka to commemorate International Decent Work Day under the theme “Workers Deserve Peace and Democracy.” The event gathered 42 participants, including workers from the ready-made garment sector, trade union representatives, and civil society members, emphasizing the critical links between decent work, social protection, and democratic governance in Bangladesh.The event featured a human chain, symbolizing unity and collective action, along with discussions highlighting the importance of ratifying ILO Convention 102 to establish comprehensive social security systems. Speakers emphasized the Universal Pension Scheme (UPS) as a pivotal tool for economic stability and poverty reduction, advocating for its universal implementation to foster social justice and democratic peace.A media campaign amplified the event’s messages, increasing public awareness about social protection systems and rallying support for legislative reforms. The event demonstrated BSPAN’s commitment to integrating informal sector workers into social security frameworks, contributing to national poverty reduction and societal stability.
This initiative showcased the power of collective action and advocacy in advancing workers’ rights and building a more equitable society.