Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today reaffirmed his government’s commitment to protecting workers’ rights, ensuring safe workplaces and implementing international labour standards during a meeting with International Labour Organization (ILO) Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo.
The ILO chief paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister at his office in the Bangladesh Secretariat, Prime Minister’s Assistant Press Secretary Gazi Shahriar Pamy said.
At the outset of the meeting, Houngbo congratulated Tarique Rahman on assuming office as Prime Minister, saying international confidence in Bangladesh had strengthened following the formation of a government elected through the direct votes of the people.
He said the ILO looks forward to further deepening its long-standing partnership with Bangladesh and will continue working closely with the government to advance the country’s labour sector.
In response, the Prime Minister thanked the ILO for its continued cooperation and reaffirmed that his government places the highest priority on safeguarding workers’ rights, ensuring a safe working environment and implementing international labour standards.
Recognition of Bangladesh’s Diplomatic Achievements
The ILO Director-General also congratulated Bangladesh on the election of Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman as President of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
He described the achievement as a significant recognition of Bangladesh’s diplomatic capability and credibility on the global stage.
Houngbo also praised the government’s recent diplomatic successes, saying Bangladesh had achieved notable international recognition within a short period.
Labour Reforms and Skills Development
During the meeting, the ILO chief said Bangladesh’s ongoing labour sector reforms and commitment to implementing international labour standards are receiving positive recognition worldwide.
The discussions covered a broad range of issues, including workers’ protection, workplace safety, skills development, employment generation and the development of a skilled workforce capable of meeting the evolving demands of the global labour market.
The two sides also reviewed progress in Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) sector, reforms in the informal labour market and the country’s achievements in implementing international labour standards.
Both sides emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation between the government and the ILO to advance ongoing labour sector reform initiatives.
They also exchanged views on protecting the rights and welfare of migrant workers, promoting safe, orderly and regular migration, and enhancing the skills of overseas-bound workers.
Reiterating his government’s commitment to creating a worker-friendly and sustainable labour environment, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh would continue implementing reforms aimed at improving workers’ welfare and workplace standards.
The ILO Director-General reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to expanding its cooperation with Bangladesh and supporting the continued development of the country’s labour sector.
The meeting was attended by Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury, Prime Minister’s Adviser Mahdi Amin, Labour and Employment Secretary Md Abdur Rahman Tarafder, Director General (UN Wing) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Md Kamruzzaman, ILO Country Director in Bangladesh Max Tuñón, and Senior Adviser to the ILO Director-General Hitomi Nakagome.
