State Minister for Labour and Employment Md. Nazrul Islam Chowdhury on Sunday said we would build a Bangladesh where all workers’ rights are protected.
"Our dedication to promote decent work and advance social justice remain steadfast. Together, we will build a Bangladesh where all workers’ rights are protected, and their contributions valued," he said while speaking as the chief guest at a national dialogue.
He has also emphasized the government's commitment to labour reform.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen underscored the importance of the multi-stakeholder dialogues on certain labour related issues, BSS adds.
"Employment generation and decent work are in the highest priorities during the present five-year term of the current government," he said.
These principles are deeply integrated in our national development strategies, including the GB roadmap (2021-2026) and National Action Plan on the Labour Sector of Bangladesh (2021-2026), said the Foreign Secretary.
"These are essential for fostering sustainable growth, including increased trade and investments,” he said.
The government, industry and labour sector stakeholders convened in Dhaka for a 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 country by the end of this decade.
Organized jointly, by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Labour and Employment, and the International Labour Organization at the Foreign Service Academy, the dialogue aimed at engaging the stakeholders on key issues, with a call for actionable outcomes for quality employment and decent work.
The dialogue brought together diverse views contributing to shaping a future where decent work and competitiveness of businesses are ensured and supported by national development strategies.
It facilitated constructive conversations, knowledge-sharing, and partnership-building among government officials, employers, workers, think tanks, private sector representatives, and development partners.
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."
ILO Country Director for Bangladesh, Tuomo Poutiainen said to support successful LDC graduation, Bangladesh must advance key development goals, including prioritizing jobs creation, evidence-based wage policies and robust OSH standards.
"The ILO continues to stand as a committed partner to the Government of Bangladesh in achieving these objectives.”