Dhaka: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday reaffirmed his government's commitment to protecting workers' rights, improving workplace safety, and implementing international labour standards during a meeting with International Labour Organization (ILO) Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo. The courtesy meeting was held at the Prime Minister's Office in the Bangladesh Secretariat, according to a press release issued by the Prime Minister's Press Wing.
According to United News of Bangladesh, during the meeting, Houngbo acknowledged Bangladesh's commitment to labour sector reforms and implementation of international labour standards, noting that it has been positively recognized on an international level. The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the ILO for its ongoing support and reiterated that his government prioritizes the protection of workers' rights, ensuring safe working conditions, and implementing international labour standards.
The ILO Director-General expressed readiness to further expand cooperation with Bangladesh to support the development of the labour sector. Discussions between the two parties covered a range of issues, including strengthening social protection for workers, enhancing skills development, creating more employment opportunities, and building a skilled workforce to meet the demands of the evolving global labour market.
They also exchanged views on the progress of Bangladesh's readymade garment sector, workplace safety, development of the informal labour market, and the country's achievements in implementing international labour standards. Both sides emphasized the importance of expanding government-ILO cooperation to advance ongoing labour sector reforms.
The talks also touched on the protection and welfare of migrant workers, the promotion of safe and orderly migration, and enhanced cooperation in improving the skills of overseas-bound workers. Congratulating Prime Minister Rahman on assuming office, Houngbo noted that the international community's confidence in Bangladesh has grown stronger since a government elected through direct public votes took office.
Houngbo further expressed the ILO's keen interest in deepening its long-standing partnership with Bangladesh and continuing close cooperation with the government to improve the country's labour sector. He also congratulated the Prime Minister on the election of Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman as President of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, describing it as a significant recognition of Bangladesh's diplomatic standing and growing international credibility.
The meeting was attended by Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury, the Prime Minister's Adviser on Labour and Employment Mahadi Amin, Labour and Employment Secretary Md Abdur Rahman Tarafdar, Director General (United Nations) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Md Kamruzzaman, ILO Country Director in Bangladesh Max Tu±³n, and Senior Adviser to the ILO Director-General at the organisation's Geneva headquarters Hitomi Nakagome.