State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Sunday said Bangladesh is embarking on a new journey to improve the country's work environment through comprehensive labor-sector reforms aimed at advancing decent work, social justice and workers' rights.
“Bangladesh is embarking on a new journey to improve work ambience,” she said during a meeting with International Labor Organization (ILO) Director-General Gilbert F Houngbo at her office on Sunday afternoon, said a foreign ministry’s press release.
Houngbo met the state minister as part of his two-day visit to Bangladesh.
During the meeting, Shama highlighted the government's commitment to advancing decent work, social justice and labor rights through comprehensive reforms in the labor sector.
She reaffirmed the government's commitment to fulfilling pledges made in its election manifesto to advance democracy, human rights and workers' rights.
The state minister also sought the ILO's continued cooperation and constructive engagement in strengthening labor governance, protecting migrant workers and facilitating safe, regular and skilled labor mobility from Bangladesh.
Shama expressed hope that Bangladesh's significant progress in labor-sector reforms would be duly recognized at the upcoming session of the ILO Governing Body and help pave the way for the earliest possible closure of the ongoing case against Bangladesh under Article 26 of the ILO Constitution.
The ILO director-general expressed deep appreciation for the Bangladesh government's efforts and political commitment towards ensuring a better world of work.
He reaffirmed the ILO's continued support for Bangladesh's priorities and efforts to advance labor-sector reforms, decent work and social justice.
“Success of Bangladesh in improving the labor situation in the country can be an example for ILO’s engagement with other countries,” Houngbo said.
Both sides expressed their commitment to further strengthening the partnership between Bangladesh and the ILO.