Geneva: Labor and Employment and Shipping Brig Gen (Retd.) Dr. M Sakhawat Hussain held a bilateral meeting with US Deputy Secretary of Labor Keith E. Sonderling at the sidelines of the International Labour Conference at the ILO Headquarters in Geneva.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the meeting focused on strengthening cooperation in the labor sector between the United States and Bangladesh. Discussions included protecting workers’ rights, ensuring a safe working environment, and developing skills. A particular emphasis was placed on joint initiatives to improve the working conditions in Bangladesh’s ready-made garment sector and ensure fair wages.
Sakhawat elaborated on the labor reform program undertaken by the Bangladesh government, highlighting early amendments to labor law, the facilitation of trade union registration, and the strengthening of the labor inspection system. He emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring fair wages, good working conditions, compensation, and maternity leave for workers across all sectors.
The adviser warned that large construction companies failing to deposit their dividend money to the central fund as per the rules would be barred from participating in any government procurement. He reiterated the Bangladesh government’s dedication to promoting a safe, sustainable, and fair working environment in all industrial sectors, including the RMG sector, ship-breaking, and construction.
Sakhawat also highlighted the youth population in Bangladesh and the employment opportunities created in the ICT sector. He noted that Bangladesh holds a significant position in online jobs and freelancing, with both government and private organizations taking initiatives to develop skills and create employment for the youth.
The US Deputy Secretary of Labour praised the progress made in Bangladesh’s labor sector and expressed interest in providing necessary technical assistance. The meeting was also attended by Secretary of the Ministry of Labor and Employment AHM Shafiquzzaman, Chairman of BEPZA Major General Abul Kalam Mohammad Ziaur Rahman, and Permanent Representative of the Bangladesh Mission to Geneva Tareq Md. Ariful Islam.