Geneva: Labor and Employment and Shipping Adviser Brig Gen (retd) Dr. M Sakhawat Hussain has held a bilateral meeting with US Deputy Secretary of Labor Keith E. Sonderling on the sidelines of the International Labour Conference at the ILO Headquarters in Geneva. Various issues including strengthening cooperation in the labor sector between the two countries, protecting workers' rights, ensuring a safe working environment, and developing skills were discussed.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, discussions particularly focused on taking joint initiatives to improve the working conditions of workers in the ready-made garment sector of Bangladesh and ensuring fair wages. Sakhawat detailed the labor reform programme undertaken by the Bangladesh government during the meeting, mentioning the early amendment of the labor law, facilitation of trade union registration, and strengthening of the labor inspection system.
He emphasized that the government is ensuring fair wages, good working conditions, compensation at work, and maternity leave for workers across all sectors. He also highlighted 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.
Sakhawat stated that the Bangladesh government is working to promote a safe, sustainable, and fair working environment in industrial sectors, including the RMG sector, ship-breaking, and construction. He also pointed out the significant employment opportunities created by the ICT sector for the youth in Bangladesh, positioning the country prominently in the field of online jobs and freelancing. Government and private organizations are initiating various efforts to develop youth skills and create employment.
US Deputy Secretary of Labor praised Bangladesh's progress in the labor sector and expressed interest in providing necessary technical assistance from the United States. 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 were also present at the meeting.