Business Desk :
Bangladesh’s ratification of three key International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions is expected to strengthen the country’s position in negotiating the GSP+ scheme and a potential Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union (EU), officials said on Thursday.
EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller made the remarks at a celebration held at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, marking Bangladesh’s ratification of ILO Conventions 155, 187, and 190.
The event was jointly organised by the Ministry of Labour and Employment and the ILO, and attended by interim government advisers, senior officials, diplomats, labour leaders, and ILO representatives.
ILO Convention 155 addresses labour rights in refusing hazardous work, Convention 187 establishes a framework for occupational safety and health, and Convention 190 aims to prevent violence and harassment at work.
Miller said the ratifications demonstrate Bangladesh’s progress in human rights and good governance, crucial factors for continued preferential access to the EU market.
“As Bangladesh prepares to graduate from LDC [least developed country] status, it can benefit from the EU’s GSP+ scheme, which links trade benefits to the implementation of international standards on labour rights, environmental protection, human rights, and good governance,” Miller said. He added that any future FTA negotiations would also prioritise rights protection and governance.
Miller highlighted that the EU has long supported Bangladesh through initiatives like Everything but Arms, providing duty-free, quota-free access, expertise, and development cooperation, which have contributed to economic and social progress and lifted millions out of poverty.
“Progress under the interim government has helped maintain preferential access to the EU market, the largest destination for Bangladeshi exports,” he added.
He encouraged further improvements under Bangladesh’s National Action Plan on the labour sector, including amendments to the EPZ Labour Act, elimination of child labour, and strengthening social dialogue.
Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmmed, chairman of the Labour Reform Commission, emphasised that occupational safety and health standards must be implemented across sectors such as construction, agriculture, and transport. “Ratification alone is not enough; proper implementation is essential,” he said.
Bangladesh is the first country in Asia to ratify all 10 fundamental ILO conventions and the first in South Asia to ratify Convention 190. To date, the country has ratified 36 ILO conventions aimed at protecting workers’ rights.
Max Tuñón, ILO country director in Bangladesh, said these achievements reflect years of government efforts in partnership with social stakeholders.
“These ratifications send a strong signal globally, showing Bangladesh’s commitment to decent work, modern regulations, robust labour institutions, and productive workplaces where workers feel protected and respected,” he said.
M Sakhawat Hussain, adviser to the Ministry of Labour and Employment, called the ratifications crucial as Bangladesh prepares to graduate from the least developed country category next year.
Lutfey Siddiqi, chief advisor’s special envoy for international affairs, also addressed the event, highlighting the importance of aligning national labour standards with international norms.
