Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said the government is giving the highest priority to protecting workers’ rights, ensuring a safe and secure working environment, and implementing international labour standards.
The prime minister made the remarks during a meeting with International Labour Organization (ILO) Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo at the Prime Minister’s Office in the Bangladesh Secretariat on the morning of July 20.
The ILO director-general congratulated Tarique Rahman on assuming the office of prime minister and said international confidence in Bangladesh had strengthened further following the formation of a government elected through a direct public vote.
Houngbo also said the ILO is interested in further strengthening its long-standing partnership with Bangladesh and will continue working closely with the government to promote the development of the labour sector.
In response, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman thanked the ILO for its continued support and cooperation, reaffirming that the government is placing strong emphasis on workers’ rights, workplace safety, and the implementation of international labour standards.
During the meeting, the ILO director-general also congratulated Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman on his election as president of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. He described the achievement as an important recognition of Bangladesh’s diplomatic capacity and international acceptance.
Houngbo also praised the current government for achieving other diplomatic successes on the international stage within a short period.
He said Bangladesh’s ongoing labour-sector reforms and its commitment to implementing international labour standards are being viewed positively by the international community.
The two sides also discussed workers’ social protection, skills development, expanding employment opportunities, and developing a skilled workforce capable of meeting the changing demands of the global labour market.
They further discussed progress in Bangladesh’s garment sector, workplace safety, development of the informal labour market, and the country’s achievements in implementing international labour standards.
The meeting also placed emphasis on further strengthening cooperation between the government and the ILO to advance ongoing labour-sector reforms.
The two sides exchanged views on further strengthening cooperation to ensure the rights and welfare of migrant workers, establish a safe and orderly migration system, and improve the skills of workers going abroad for employment.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating a worker-friendly and sustainable working environment. The ILO director-general also expressed his commitment to expanding the organization’s existing cooperation with Bangladesh and working jointly to develop the country’s labour sector.
Ref/Photo: Bangla version
