PM Tarique Rahman Reaffirms Commitment to Labour Rights

Prime Minister Tarek Rahman has reaffirmed Bangladesh'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 meeting took place at the Prime Minister's Office in the Bangladesh Secretariat on Monday (July 20), according to Assistant Press Secretary Gazi Shahriar Pamir.

At the beginning of the meeting, Houngbo congratulated Rahman on assuming office as prime minister. He said the formation of a government through a direct public mandate had strengthened international confidence in Bangladesh and reaffirmed the ILO's commitment to expanding its long-standing partnership with the country.

In response, Rahman thanked the ILO for its continued cooperation and said the government places the highest priority on safeguarding workers' rights, improving occupational safety and fully implementing international labour standards.

Houngbo also congratulated Bangladesh on the election of Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman as President of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, describing it as an important recognition of the country's growing diplomatic standing. He also praised the government's recent diplomatic achievements on the international stage.

During the meeting, the ILO chief said Bangladesh's ongoing labour-sector reforms and commitment to international labour standards have been positively recognized by the global community.

The two sides discussed a range of issues, including expanding social protection for workers, improving skills development, creating more employment opportunities and preparing a skilled workforce for the evolving global labour market.

They also reviewed progress in Bangladesh's ready-made garment (RMG) industry, workplace safety, the development of the informal labour sector and continued implementation of international labour standards. Both sides emphasized strengthening cooperation to advance labour-sector reforms.

Discussions also covered the rights and welfare of migrant workers, promoting safe and orderly migration and enhancing skills training for overseas job seekers.

Prime Minister Rahman reiterated his government's commitment to building a worker-friendly and sustainable labour environment, while Houngbo expressed the ILO's intention to further expand cooperation with Bangladesh.

The meeting was attended by Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury, Prime Minister's Adviser on Labour and Employment Mahdi Amin, Labour Secretary Md. Abdur Rahman Tarafdar, Foreign Ministry Director General (United Nations) Md. Kamruzzaman, ILO Bangladesh Country Director Max Tunon, and Hitomi Nakagome, Senior Adviser to the ILO Director-General.