Dhaka:Prime Minister's Labour and Employment Adviser Mahdi Amin announced that protecting workers' rights and creating employment opportunities are top government priorities. He emphasized the government's commitment to improving working conditions and welfare for workers during a meeting with a delegation from the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) and the International Organisation of Employers (IOE).
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the meeting at the Ministry of Labour and Employment discussed the role of Export Processing Zones (EPZs) and the implementation of universal laws while maintaining their economic significance. Amin expressed the government's dedication to strengthening workers' rights and collaborating with international organizations like the ITUC and IOE.
Amin highlighted that the government's objectives include ensuring a fair and safe working environment, improving employer-worker relations, and establishing effective social dialogue. He also mentioned the government's efforts to expand decent employment opportunities and enhance workforce skills.
The adviser welcomed the delegation's visit, noting its importance in assessing the country's progress in implementing the International Labour Organization (ILO) roadmap. He reiterated the government's commitment under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's leadership to workers' welfare and productive employment.
Amin mentioned that the newly elected government amended the Bangladesh Labour Act to update it and ratified ILO Conventions 155, 187, and 189, aligning with international labour standards. He outlined plans to quickly formulate Bangladesh Labour Rules and effectively implement the amended Labour Act to improve workers' lives.
The delegation, including ITUC General Secretary Luc Triangle and IOE Vice-Chair Kaizer Moyane, praised the recent reforms in Bangladesh's labour sector. They expressed satisfaction with the amendments to labour laws, streamlined trade union registration, and measures ensuring occupational health and safety.
Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury, along with other senior officials, attended the meeting.