Bangladesh embarking on new journey to improve work ambience: Shama Obaed

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam today (19 July) expressed hope that Bangladesh's significant progress in the labour-sector reform would be duly recognised in the upcoming ILO governing body session and pave the way for the earliest closure of the ongoing case against Bangladesh under article 26 of the ILO constitution. 

"Bangladesh is embarking on a new journey to improve work ambience," she said during a meeting with  Director General of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Gilbert F. Houngbo, who is on a two-day visit to Bangladesh, at her office, according to a ministry press release.

"Success of Bangladesh in improving the labour situation in the country can be an example for ILO's engagement with other countries," he said.

During the meeting, the state minister highlighted the government's commitment to advancing decent work, social justice and labour rights through comprehensive labour-sector reforms.

She reaffirmed its commitment to fulfilling the pledges made in the election manifesto to advance democracy, human rights and workers' rights.

The state minister called for ILO's continued cooperation and constructive engagement in strengthening labour governance, protecting migrant workers and facilitating safe, regular and skilled labour mobility from Bangladesh. 

The ILO director-general expressed deep appreciation for the effort and the political commitment of the Bangladesh government in ensuring a better world of work, according to the Ministry.

He reaffirmed the organization's continued support for Bangladesh's endeavour and priorities in advancing labour-sector reform, decent work and social justice.

Both sides expressed their commitment to further strengthening the Bangladesh-ILO partnership.