Dhaka-Washington trade ties tied to labour law enforcement: Envoy

The implementation of labour laws plays a key role in Bangladesh's bilateral trade with the United States, US Ambassador Brent T Christensen said today (29 April).

The ambassador paid a courtesy call on with Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury at the Secretariat this morning, where they discussed various issues of mutual interest between the two countries, according to a press release by the ministry.

The minister thanked the United States for its continued support in developing Bangladesh's labour sector. He said such cooperation would further enhance the country's global image.

He said there are strong opportunities to work jointly to improve the labour sector and ensure workers' rights. He added that the Bangladesh Labour Law (Amendment) 2026, aligned with the US's 11-point proposals, has been passed in parliament.

The US ambassador thanked Bangladesh for amending the labour law. He expressed satisfaction that the US-proposed 11 points and ILO conventions were incorporated into the amendment.

He said effective implementation of the law is crucial for executing trade and other agreements with the United States. He urged issuing rules and enforcing the law quickly.

The minister assured that the law would be implemented swiftly through necessary rules. He also requested US technical assistance to raise awareness on labour rights and safe, decent working conditions.

The ambassador thanked the ministry for simplifying and modernising trade union registration. He also appreciated the initiative to adjust workers' wages every three years and expressed optimism about stronger future ties.

Labour and employment ministry secretary Abdur Rahman Torofdar, joint secretary Abdus Samad Al Azad, US embassy counsellor Eric Gillan, and labour attache Leena Khan were present.