Laws need to be equally applied in labour issues: ILO Country Director Tuomo 

Tuomo Poutiainen, outgoing country director of the International Labour Organization (ILO), has urged Bangladesh to ensure equal application of laws in labour-related issues.

"Laws need to be equally applied," he said during a press briefing at the ILO office in Agargaon, Dhaka. 

He is scheduled to conclude his ten-year tenure in Bangladesh next month and will take up a new assignment in Thailand as regional deputy managing director for Asia and the Pacific.

Reflecting on his decade-long service in Bangladesh, Tuomo highlighted the country's progress in areas such as working conditions, occupational safety and health coverage — particularly in the ready-made garment (RMG) sector following the tragic Rana Plaza collapse.

"After Rana Plaza, there was significant attention on improving working conditions in the RMG sector, which was expected," he said.

However, he stressed the need to expand focus beyond the RMG sector to include areas such as construction and domestic work.

The outgoing ILO country head also called for the creation of quality employment. 

"Quality jobs need to be created… Investment in modernisation and human capital, including education and vocational training, is crucial now," he stated.

He further emphasised social protection, citing issues such as child labour, maternity health, accident protection, and pension schemes.

"Bangladesh needs an effective social protection system in practice," he said, adding, "Domestic workers need better legislation."

Tuomo also called for sustainable employment across all regions of the country. "Some areas are lagging behind. All parts of the country need equal attention for sustainable job creation," he noted.

"Ethnic and minority groups need equal opportunities," he added.

Catherine Mgendi, communication and knowledge management officer of ILO Dhaka office, and other senior officials also present the press briefing.