Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury said the government is fully committed to protecting workers’ rights and ensuring safe working conditions as Bangladesh continues reforms in the labour sector, reports BSS.
He made the remarks during a meeting with International Labour Organization (ILO) Director General Gilbert Houngbo at the minister’s office in the Secretariat on Sunday, according to a press release.
The meeting discussed modernising Bangladesh’s labour sector, reforming labour laws, creating employment opportunities and strengthening cooperation with the ILO to ensure international labour standards.
Ariful said labour sector reform is an ongoing process and that the Bangladesh Labour (Amendment) Act, 2026 was enacted as part of these efforts. He said the new law has helped Bangladesh make significant progress in aligning with international labour standards.
He highlighted that Bangladesh was the first country in Asia to ratify all 10 core ILO Conventions, improving the country’s global image on labour rights.
The minister said amendments to the Bangladesh Labour Rules 2015, the formation of a tripartite National Social Dialogue Forum, and the introduction of a Digital Case Management System with an independent alternative dispute resolution mechanism are progressing.
He also said initiatives are underway to nationalise the Employment Injury Scheme to create an integrated social security system for workers in both formal and informal sectors.
Ariful said the government is working to establish a new Employment Directorate under the ministry to create job opportunities for skilled workers at home and abroad.
He stressed that the government would ensure transparency and accountability in all sectors and would not tolerate irregularities or syndicates in labour migration. He added that Bangladesh is working to send workers to countries including Malaysia through transparent and affordable processes.
Seeking greater technical and institutional support from the ILO, the minister said Bangladesh remains committed to addressing challenges arising from technological changes and global developments while maintaining safe workplaces.
He also urged the ILO director general to speed up the resolution of the ongoing complaint case against Bangladesh under Article 26 of the ILO.
Gilbert Houngbo praised Bangladesh’s labour reforms, including the ratification of the 10 core conventions and enactment of the new Labour Act in 2026.
He assured that the ILO would continue supporting Bangladesh in protecting freedom of association, maintaining international labour standards, safeguarding migrant workers and creating employment opportunities, including through policy and technical cooperation.
FP/R
