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International Labour Organisation country director for Bangladesh, Tuomo Poutiainen, called for inclusive and sustained labour reforms, with particular focus on employment generation, stronger institutions and protections for marginalised communities and undervalued sectors.

After a decade of service in Bangladesh, including seven years as country director and three years of work on the readymade garment sector, Poutiainen at a farewell press briefing in Dhaka on Monday described his time in the country as ‘deeply meaningful, both professionally and personally.’

He now moves on to a new role as deputy director at the ILO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific at Bangkok in Thailand.

‘Labour reform is not a single event — it is a process,’ he said adding that this process must be grounded in a robust legal framework, institutional efficiency and meaningful social dialogue.

Highlighting the urgency of ensuring no one is left behind, the ILO director drew attention to historically excluded communities.

‘There are still indigenous and ethnic groups — not only in the Chittagong Hill Tracts but also in scattered lowland areas — whose access to opportunity must be prioritised,’ he said.

Poutiainen spotlighted domestic and tea garden workers as sectors where labour rights remained underdeveloped.

‘Domestic work remains largely invisible and under-protected. It is time to bring the workers under the full umbrella of legal safeguards,’ he said, adding that the tea garden labourers must benefit from the modernisation efforts that improve not only productivity but also wages and living standards.

Poutiainen acknowledged recent progress in the restructuring of labour institutions such as the labour inspectorate and dispute resolution mechanisms. However, he underscored the need for greater effectiveness.

‘These institutions must deliver services transparently and equitably. Their capacity to resolve grievances and enforce labour laws is fundamental to a just and reliable labour market,’ he said.

Calling social dialogue the foundation of sustainable development, the ILO director stressed the importance of democratic participation in labour relations.

‘True consensus is only possible when workers and employers freely choose their representatives. Dialogue must go beyond words and translate into concrete action and trust,’ he said.

Reflecting on the improvements since the Rana Plaza tragedy, Poutiainen acknowledged significant advancements in occupational safety and health, particularly in the garment sector.

‘The global community was watching, and Bangladesh responded. The garment industry has made notable progress,’ he said.

However, he warned against complacency, saying that OSH reforms must extend across all sectors — including construction, shipbuilding, agriculture and ironworks.

‘Every worker deserves to return home safe at the end of the day,’ he said.

The ILO director praised the rollout of a modern employment injury insurance system in the garment sector, which provides monthly compensation and long-term rehabilitation.

Describing it as a game-changer, he said the scheme is now being expanded to the leather and footwear industries, with the long-term goal of national coverage.

In parallel, Poutiainen emphasised the need for addressing the informal economy and extend legal protections to all sectors.

‘We must raise the overall quality of work, especially for those not currently covered by formal labour laws,’ he said.

ILO director mentioned Bangladesh’s demographic transition as a pivotal opportunity.

‘With millions of young people entering the workforce each year, we are at a crossroads. Unlocking the demographic dividend requires creating quality jobs across agriculture, manufacturing, and services — for both domestic and export markets,’ he said.

Poutiainen said that ILO was working closely with the government and private sector to modernise technical and vocational education and ensure smooth school-to-work transitions.

‘Are young people job-ready? Are training systems inclusive enough for rural and underserved communities?’ Poutiainen asked, encouraging a more holistic approach to skills development.

He urged employers and institutions in Bangladesh to eliminate gender-based barriers in the labour market.

‘There is no job that a woman cannot do as well as a man. Pay, opportunity and recognition must never be dictated by gender,’ ILO country director said.

Poutiainen also called for the development of a modern, inclusive social protection system, covering both formal and informal workers.

‘Not every job provides a living wage. And even the best workers face difficult times,’ he said, outlining ILO’s support in areas such as childcare, maternity protection, healthcare, injury insurance, unemployment benefits and pensions.

While noting progress in pension and maternity schemes, he put emphasis on a sustained political will to develop a fully modern social insurance system.

In his concluding remarks, Poutiainen praised the recently published Labour Commission Report as a positive step forward, noting its alignment with ILO values and its potential to shape inclusive reforms.

‘It reflects broad consultation and sets a solid foundation for progress,’ he said.

The ILO director urged the government, employers, trade unions and development partners for continued cooperation.

‘The most powerful tool we have is shared vision. That is how we build a future where every worker and every employer feels secure, supported and heard,’ Poutiainen concluded.