Bangladesh has called for stronger cooperation with the International Labour Organization (ILO) to advance labour rights, workplace safety, and the implementation of international labour standards.
Speaking at the 113th International Labour Conference at the ILO headquarters in Geneva on Wednesday, Brigadier General (retd) Dr. M Sakhawat Hossain, Adviser to Bangladesh’s Ministry of Labour and Employment, outlined the government’s ongoing reform efforts and its appeal for greater technical support.
“We are keen to work more closely with the ILO in ensuring labour rights, a safe working environment, and the effective implementation of labour laws,” he told delegates from 187 member states.
Dr. Hossain said Bangladesh has already taken several measures in line with the recommendations of the country’s Labour Reform Commission. These include withdrawing most politically motivated cases against trade union members, reconstituting the Tripartite Advisory Council, and amending labour laws to bring them into alignment with international standards. A new amendment to the Labour Act 2006 is also in progress.
To strengthen the labour inspection system, the government plans to recruit 122 new labour inspectors, he added.
Bangladesh is also advancing the process of ratifying ILO Conventions C155, C187, and C190, which focus on occupational safety, health, and workplace violence.
Dr. Hossain highlighted Bangladesh’s commitment to addressing broader global challenges through fair trade, migration benefits, and reducing technical barriers to international cooperation. However, he expressed concern about a recent decline in development assistance for the labour sector and urged the ILO to expand its technical support.
Bangladesh also welcomed the ILO Governing Body’s recent decision to recognize Palestine as an observer state, and called on the international community to take urgent action to protect Palestinian civilians amid ongoing humanitarian concerns.
The Bangladesh delegation to the conference included AHM Shafiquzzaman, Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, as well as representatives from the Bangladesh Employers Federation, the Tripartite Consultative Council (TCC), and senior ministry officials.
SMS/
