Evaluating Labour Movement in Bangladesh : A Case Study of Rajshahi Jute Mills

The labour movement started in Europe during the industrial revolution. Previously, the idea faced great resistance. However, the labour movement was active in the early to mid-nineteenth century and various labour parties and trade unions were formed throughout the industrialised world. The labour movement has a very long past in this region, though industrialisation took place very late in Bangladesh. The beginning of labour agitation in Indian sub-continent was in Bengal. In 1860, there was a strong protest against the inhuman working condition and hardship of cultivation workers. A further organised form of trade union activities in this region was started thereafter. Unfortunately, illiteracy and disunity among workers, negative attitude of employer and unnecessary politicisation hampered trade union growth in Bangladesh. This book made an attempt to analyse the historical context as well as the plight of the industrial workers and trade unions and their impact on the overall productivity of the workers in Bangladesh.