Prime Minister’s Adviser on Labour and Employment Mahdi Amin has said the government is committed to protecting workers’ rights, creating jobs and ensuring better working conditions.
“Protecting workers’ rights and creating widespread employment opportunities are the government’s priorities,” he said.
He made the remarks during a courtesy meeting with a high-level delegation from the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) and the International Organisation of Employers (IOE) at the Ministry of Labour and Employment at the Secretariat on Wednesday.
The meeting discussed the economic role of export processing zones (EPZs) and the implementation of laws and policies to preserve their distinct status while sustaining employment, Mahdi Amin said.
He said the government has been working to strengthen workers’ rights and would consider recommendations from international organisations such as the ITUC and IOE.
“Ensuring fair and safe workplaces, improving employer-worker relations and establishing effective social dialogue are among the government’s key priorities,” he said.
The government is also working to expand decent employment opportunities and develop the skills of the workforce, he added.
Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury was present at the meeting.
The visiting delegation included ITUC General Secretary Luc Triangle, IOE Vice-Chair Kaiser Moyane, ILO Governing Body member Jess Vogt and ILO Country Director Max Tunon, among others.
Welcoming the delegation, Mahdi Amin said the visit and tripartite discussions among the government, workers and employers would help assess progress and chart the way forward in implementing the ILO roadmap.
“Under the strong leadership of Tarique Rahman, the government is committed to workers’ welfare, decent work and productive employment,” he said.
Mahdi Amin said the newly elected government amended the Bangladesh Labour Act during the first session of parliament to bring it in line with current needs.
He said Bangladesh had recently ratified ILO Conventions 155, 187 and 189 to uphold international standards on workers’ rights and protection.
The government has also taken steps to strengthen labour administration, expedite dispute resolution and establish effective social dialogue among stakeholders, he added.
“Our main goal now is to quickly formulate the Bangladesh Labour Rules and ensure effective implementation of the amended Labour Act,” Mahdi Amin said.
He said the government was committed to turning its pledges into tangible improvements in the lives of workers.
The ITUC and IOE delegations praised recent labour-sector reforms, particularly amendments to the Labour Act, the streamlined trade union registration process, measures to improve occupational health and safety, and initiatives to ensure fair wages.