Bangladesh has formally endorsed three International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions, a historic decision hailed as a milestone in strengthening workers’ rights and workplace safety. The Ministry of Labour and Employment and ILO Bangladesh jointly celebrated the endorsement in a ceremony held at the Foreign Service Academy, State Guest House Sugandha, Dhaka.
Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. M. Sakhawat Hossain, Adviser to the Ministry of Labour and Employment and Ministry of Shipping, attended as the chief guest and remarked, “This achievement is not merely a legal milestone—it sends a clear message to the world that our Interim Government is committed to protecting the dignity, safety, and rights of workers.” He added that the decision is strategic and forward-looking, demonstrating Bangladesh’s commitment to ethical and sustainable development in global markets as it prepares to graduate from LDC status.
Among the three conventions, Convention No. 155 (Occupational Safety and Health) and Convention No. 187 (Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health) are fundamental ILO conventions. Convention No. 190 (Violence and Harassment at Work) was also endorsed, making Bangladesh the only South Asian country to ratify all ten fundamental ILO conventions.
Dr. Md. Sanowar Jahan Bhuiyan, Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, emphasized the need for effective implementation. “The activities of the Factory and Establishment Inspection Department will be strengthened to ensure workers’ occupational health and safety,” he said.
Michael Miller, Ambassador of the European Union to Bangladesh, lauded the country’s move, stating, “Bangladesh’s endorsement of these three international conventions and initiatives in global markets is highly commendable. We hope Bangladesh will continue to maintain its global reputation as it graduates from LDC status.” He also stressed the EU’s support for Bangladesh’s active role in strengthening international trade and cooperation.
Max Tunon, ILO Country Director in Bangladesh, called the endorsement “a historic moment.”
The official endorsement took place on 22 October at the Jamuna State Guest House, in the presence of Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, when labour advisors signed the ratification documents. Subsequently, on 21 November, the signed documents were formally handed over to the ILO Director-General at the 355th Governing Body session in Geneva.
The ceremony in Dhaka was attended by Special International Envoy Lutfe Siddiqui, U.S. Labour Attache Lina Khan, members of TCC, senior secretaries and officials from various ministries, and other dignitaries.
Source: Ministry of Labour and Employment, ILO Bangladesh.