Dhaka: Assistant US Trade Representative (South and Central Asia) Brendan Lynch and Director for South Asia Emily Ashby called on Labour and Employment Adviser Brigadier General (retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hossain at his Secretariat office on Sunday. During the meeting, they discussed the development of Bangladesh’s labour sector, facilitation of trade union registration, implementation of the US 11-point agreement on labour rights, and strengthening trade cooperation.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr M Sakhawat Hossain, who also serves as Shipping Adviser, explained that steps have been taken in light of the US 11-point agreement on labour rights. These steps include amendments to the Labour Act 2006, the International Labor Organization’s roadmap, the Labour Reform Commission’s recommendations, and the European Action Plan. He claims these amendments have been incorporated into many legal provisions, contributing significantly to ensuring international labour standards.
Dr Sakhawat noted that Bangladesh is a signatory to ILO Conventions 138 and 182, aiming to eliminate child labour. He also mentioned plans to ratify ILO Conventions C155 and C187 to ensure occupational health and safety, and C190 to prevent violence and harassment at work. If these conventions are ratified, Bangladesh would be the only South Asian country to ratify all 10 fundamental ILO conventions.
In response to a question from the US delegation, Sakhawat stated that the minimum number of applicants for trade union registration will be based on a number rather than a percentage. Additionally, provisions will be added to prevent and punish the blacklisting of workers. The labour adviser emphasized the various steps taken by Bangladeshi entrepreneurs to protect labour rights and ensure a decent working environment and occupational health.
During the meeting, Dr Sakhawat urged global buyer brands, through the US trade delegation, to ensure fair prices for Bangladeshi products. Brendan Lynch acknowledged Bangladesh’s economic development and progress in the labour sector and stressed the need for amending the labour law in accordance with international standards. Both sides emphasized enhancing mutual relations in the labour sector and creating new opportunities for trade and investment.
The meeting was attended by Additional Secretaries of the Ministry of Labour and Employment Amal Krishna Mondal, Md Humayun Kabir, and other senior officials, as well as Charge d’ Affaires at the US Embassy in Dhaka Tracey Ann Jacobson and Labour Attach© Lina Khan.