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The Government of Bangladesh has expressed its commitment to work more closely with the International Labour Organization (ILO) to protect labour rights, ensure a safe working environment, and implement labour laws effectively with ILO's technical support.
This was stated by Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. M. Sakhawat Hossain, Advisor to the Ministry of Labour and Employment, during the plenary session of the 113th International Labour Conference held recently at the ILO Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
The Advisor noted that most politically motivated cases against trade union activists have already been withdrawn as part of implementing the Labour Reform Commission’s recommendations. Additionally, the Tripartite Consultative Council (TCC) has been restructured, and efforts are underway to amend the labour law to align with international labour standards.
He further stated that the Labour Act 2006 will be amended soon. To strengthen labour inspection systems, 122 new labour inspectors will be recruited. Bangladesh is also in the process of ratifying ILO Conventions C155, C187, and C190 to ensure occupational safety and health.
Dr. Hossain emphasized that the Government of Bangladesh is prioritizing fair trade, migration facilities, and reducing technological disparities to address global challenges and economic crises. However, he expressed concern over the recent decline in development cooperation funding and called for enhanced technical support from the ILO for the advancement of the labour sector.
Bangladesh also welcomed the decision of the ILO Governing Body to grant Palestine observer state status and urged the international community to take stronger action to protect Palestinian civilians.
The session was attended by representatives from 187 countries, including Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Employment A.H.M. Safiquzzaman, representatives from the Bangladesh Employers' Federation, members of the Tripartite Consultative Council (TCC), and senior officials from the ministry.
