Bangladesh reiterated its commitment to enhancing labour rights, ensuring a safe and decent working environment, and strengthening the implementation of labour laws with the support of the International Labour Organisation鈥檚 technical assistance.
M Shakhawat Hossain, adviser to the Ministry of Labour and Employment, revealed the details while speaking at the plenary session of the ongoing 113th session of the International Labour Conference at the ILO headquarters in Geneva on Tuesday, according to a ministry press release on Wednesday.聽
According to the press release, the labour adviser also emphasised Bangladesh鈥檚 determination to work more intensively in collaboration with the ILO to uphold workers鈥� rights and improve workplace safety.
He also said that the government was currently working on implementing the recommendations of the Labour Law Reform Commission.
He also said that there has been significant progress in their ongoing activities, including the withdrawal of most politically motivated cases against trade union activists, reforming the tripartite consultative council, and ongoing amendments to the Bangladesh Labour Act 2006 to align with international labour standards.
To reinforce labour inspection systems, Bangladesh is set to appoint 122 new labour inspectors, he added, saying that the country is actively working toward the ratification of ILO Conventions C155, C187, and C190 to ensure occupational health and safety in the workplace.
He also stated that the government was focusing on fair trade, facilitating safe labour migration, and reducing technological disparities to overcome global challenges and economic stress.
However, he expressed concern over the recent reduction in development assistance funds and urged the ILO to increase technical cooperation in advancing Bangladesh鈥檚 labour sector.
He also said that Bangladesh welcomed the ILO Governing Body鈥檚 decision to recognise Palestine as an observer state.
He said that the ministry extended solidarity and called on the international community to step forward in protecting Palestinian civilians.
Representatives from 187 countries attended the plenary session.
Bangladeshi representatives, including labour secretary AHM Shafiquzzaman, delegates from the Bangladesh Employers鈥� Federation, members of the TCC, and senior officials from the ministry, were also present, the press release stated.
