LDC graduation for Bangladesh: ILO links job, wage policy, occupation safety with success
Staff Reporter :
The ILO Country Director for Bangladesh, Tuomo Poutiainen, has emphasised that Bangladesh must advance key development goals, including prioritising job creation, evidence-based wage policies, and robust Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) standards to support successful Least Developed Country (LDC) graduation.
He made these remarks while addressing a national dialogue to promote quality employment and decent work, jointly organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Labour and Employment, and the International Labour Organisation at the Foreign Service Academy on Sunday.
Government, industry, and labour sector stakeholders convened in Dhaka for the national dialogue on Promoting Decent Work for Social Justice, underscoring Bangladesh’s commitment to labour reform for equitable and sustained growth as the country prepares for sustainable graduation to an upper
middle-income, developing nation by the end of this decade.
The dialogue brought together diverse views, contributing to shaping a future where decent work and the competitiveness of businesses are ensured and supported by national development strategies.
As the Chief Guest, State Minister for the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Md. Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, emphasised the government’s commitment to labour reform.
“Our dedication to promoting decent work and advancing social justice remains steadfast.
Together, we will build a Bangladesh where all workers’ rights are protected and their contributions valued,” he stated.
Masud Bin Momen, the Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh, underscored the importance of multi-stakeholder dialogues on certain labour-related issues.
He stated, “Employment generation and decent work are the highest priorities during the present five-year term of the current government.
These principles are deeply integrated into our national development strategies, including the government roadmap (2021–2026) and the National Action Plan on the Labour Sector of Bangladesh (2021–2026).
These are essential for fostering sustainable growth, including increased trade and investments.”
Mahbub Hossain, Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, said, “Our joint efforts have generated concrete, actionable policies aimed at improving the livelihoods of our workforce as well as safeguarding their fundamental rights and safety in the workplace.”
The discussions delved into three key panel discussions: the Global Accelerator for Jobs, the development of an evidence-based national wage policy, and advancing occupational safety and health (OSH) in Bangladesh.
Each segment sheds light on the challenges and opportunities within the world of work.
Key stakeholders from the government, employers, and workers gave valuable insights and emphasised the need for a collective approach to ensure decent work and foster social justice.