Geneva: Labour and Employment Adviser Brig Gen (retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hussain has announced Bangladesh’s intention to intensify efforts towards ensuring workers’ rights, creating a safe working environment, and implementing labour laws with technical assistance from the International Labour Organization (ILO).
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr Sakhawat made these remarks while addressing the plenary session of the 113th International Labour Conference at the ILO Headquarters in Geneva. He highlighted that the Labour Law-2006 is set for amendment soon. Representatives from 187 countries, including Bangladesh, participated in the conference.
Dr Sakhawat outlined the ongoing process to amend the Labour Law, which includes withdrawing politically motivated harassment cases against trade unionists, forming a tripartite advisory council, and updating existing labour laws to align with international standards. He also mentioned the government’s plan to appoint 122 new Labour Inspectors to strengthen Bangladesh’s labour inspection system. Additionally, he noted that the country is in the process of signing sections C155, C187, and C190 of the ILO Convention to ensure professional health safety for workers.
The adviser stressed the importance of reducing immigration facilities, addressing technical discrimination, and achieving balanced trade to tackle economic crises and global challenges. He also expressed concern over the reduction in development assistance funds and called for increased technical assistance from the ILO for the development of the labour sector.
Dr Sakhawat thanked the ILO governing body for recognizing Palestine as an observer state and urged the international community to protect Palestinian civilians. The conference was attended by Labour and Employment Secretary AHM Shafiquzzaman, representatives from the Bangladesh Employers Federation, the tripartite advisory council, and senior ministry officials.