Newly-appointed country director of the International Labour Organization in Bangladesh Max Tu帽贸n Wednesday reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with the government and social partners to advance decent work, social justice, and sustainable investment opportunities in the country.
鈥極ur collective efforts will not only provide more decent working conditions for a larger share of the workforce, they will also improve the country鈥檚 ability to attract investment,鈥� Tu帽贸n said after submitting his credentials to foreign affairs adviser Md Touhid Hossain at the foreign ministry here, said a press release.
The new ILO country director stressed the urgency of ensuring inclusive economic growth that creates quality jobs.
鈥楾he urgency of the decent work agenda in Bangladesh is evident,鈥� said Tu帽贸n.聽 鈥榃ith two million young men and women entering the labour market each year, we must work together to ensure that economic growth is inclusive and generates jobs with dignity.鈥�
The ILO has been extending technical and policy support to the Government of Bangladesh and its tripartite partners in reviewing and amending the Bangladesh Labour Act, and in strengthening the implementation of labour laws, occupational safety, and workers鈥� rights.
The organisation also works to enhance the employability of men and women by developing job-relevant skills and promoting entrepreneurship through an enabling business environment, the ILO said in a statement.
Prior to his posting in Dhaka, Tu帽贸n served as head of the ILO office in Doha, where he supported a comprehensive labour reform agenda in Qatar.
He earlier worked as a Technical Specialist overseeing programmes on wages, labour inspection, and occupational safety and health.
He has also served in various capacities at ILO offices in Bangkok, New Delhi, and Beijing, bringing with him extensive experience in labour policy, social protection, and global employment standards.
The ILO office in Bangladesh is one of the organisation鈥檚 largest worldwide, with a broad mandate to promote fundamental principles and rights at work.
It also supports the government鈥檚 vision of expanding decent employment opportunities and enhancing social protection systems, particularly for marginalized and vulnerable groups.
The ILO鈥檚 support to Bangladesh is implemented through the Decent Work Country Programmes, jointly developed and agreed upon with the government, employers鈥� organisations, and workers鈥� representatives to promote fair, safe, and sustainable labour practices.