International Labour Organization (ILO) Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo commended Bangladesh’s recent progress in the labour sector and the government’s initiatives to reduce child labour, reaffirming the UN agency’s continued support for labour reforms.
He made the remarks during a courtesy call on Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kobir at a hotel in the capital this evening.
During the meeting, the two sides reviewed Bangladesh’s recent progress in the labour sector and discussed a range of issues, including the elimination of child labour, labour law and institutional reforms, protection of the rights and welfare of migrant workers, and the promotion of safe, orderly and regular migration.
The Foreign Affairs Adviser sought the ILO’s continued support in safeguarding the rights, safety and welfare of Bangladeshi migrant workers.
He also requested sustained technical assistance from the organisation to strengthen institutional capacity in the labour sector, enhance skills development and support the implementation of international labour standards.
The ILO Director-General praised the government’s efforts to reduce child labour and assured Bangladesh of the organisation’s continued cooperation in advancing labour sector reforms and promoting decent work.
At the outset of the meeting, Houngbo congratulated Bangladesh on its election to the presidency of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
He expressed confidence that cooperation between Bangladesh and the ILO would be further strengthened during Bangladesh’s tenure as President of the UN General Assembly.
