Ariful Haque Choudhury meets ILO DG in Geneva

Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury held a courtesy meeting with Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Gilbert F. Houngbo in Geneva on Wednesday.

During the meeting, the minister praised the ILO’s leadership and contributions to promoting decent work, social justice and workers’ rights. He reaffirmed the Bangladesh government’s commitment to democracy, human rights and labour rights.

The minister welcomed the ILO’s initiative to establish a Global Coalition for Social Justice and called for extended support in promoting entrepreneurship development and employment generation among marginalized communities.

At the meeting, the minister said Bangladesh has so far ratified 39 ILO conventions and has earned recognition as the first country in Asia to ratify all fundamental ILO conventions. He also highlighted the progress made in labour sector reforms and the formation of the National Tripartite Consultative Council.

The minister invited the ILO Director-General to visit Bangladesh and observe firsthand the ongoing labour sector reform initiatives undertaken for  workers’ welfare. The ILO Director-General expressed interest in the progress of labour sector reforms in Bangladesh and appreciated the ILO’s long-standing partnership with the country.