BD urges ILO to close long-running labour case

Bangladesh has sought the earliest closure of the ongoing case against the country under Article 26 of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Constitution, highlighting significant progress in labour sector reforms and reaffirming its commitment to improving workers’ rights and workplace conditions.

The issue came up during a meeting between State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam and visiting ILO Director General Gilbert F Houngbo at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka on Sunday during the latter’s two day visit to Bangladesh.

During the meeting, the State Minister said Bangladesh was embarking on a new journey to improve the working environment and stressed the government’s commitment to advancing decent work, social justice and labour rights through comprehensive reforms.

She said the government remained committed to fulfilling the pledges made in its election manifesto to strengthen democracy, human rights and workers’ rights.

Seeking continued cooperation from the UN labour agency, Shama Obaed Islam called for constructive engagement in strengthening labour governance, protecting migrant workers and promoting safe, regular and skilled labour mobility from Bangladesh.

She also expressed hope that Bangladesh’s progress in implementing labour sector reforms would be recognised at the upcoming ILO Governing Body session and would pave the way for the early closure of the Article 26 case.

ILO Director General Houngbo appreciated what he described as the Bangladesh government’s political commitment and efforts to build a better world of work.

He reaffirmed the ILO’s continued support for Bangladesh’s reform agenda, including initiatives aimed at promoting decent work and social justice.

“The success of Bangladesh in improving the labour situation in the country can be an example for the ILO’s engagement with other countries,” Houngbo said. Both sides also reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the partnership between Bangladesh and the ILO in support of labour reforms and improved workplace standards.