Govt fully committed to protect workers’ rights: Minister

The minister made the remarks in a meeting with International Labour Organization (ILO) Director General Gilbert Houngbo at the minister's office in the Secretariat here on Sunday

Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury has said the current government is fully committed to protecting workers' rights and ensuring a safe working environment.

He said labour sector reform is a continuing process, and the Bangladesh Labour (Amendment) Act, 2026, has been enacted accordingly. With the law, Bangladesh has advanced significantly in ensuring international labour standards.

The minister made the remarks in a meeting with International Labour Organization (ILO) Director General Gilbert Houngbo at the minister's office in the Secretariat here on Sunday, read a press release.

The meeting featured fruitful discussions on modernising Bangladesh's labour sector, reforming labour laws, creating new employment opportunities, and further strengthening bilateral cooperation in ensuring international labour standards.

Ariful Haque mentioned that Bangladesh was the first country in Asia to have ratified all 10 core ILO Conventions, which has brightened the country's image in the global arena.

He informed that the amendment of the Bangladesh Labour Rules 2015, formation of a tripartite 'National Social Dialogue Forum,' and introduction of a Digital Case Management System alongside an independent alternative dispute resolution mechanism are progressing rapidly.

Additionally, initiatives have been taken to introduce the nationalisation of the 'Employment Injury Scheme' to build an integrated social security net for workers in both formal and informal sectors, he added.

The minister further said that efforts are underway to establish a new employment directorate under the ministry to create employment opportunities for skilled manpower both domestically and abroad.

He emphasised that the current government is determined to ensure complete transparency and accountability in every sector, and no irregularities or syndicates will be tolerated in labour migration.

He also informed that the government is working to send workers to various countries, including Malaysia, through transparent processes at lower cost.

Calling for increased technical and institutional cooperation from the ILO to address challenges of technology and global changes and ensure safe working environments, the minister said Bangladesh has been playing a highly responsible role as a member of the governing body.

Recognising the positive changes and milestones, he strongly urged the director general to expedite the resolution of the ongoing complaint case against Bangladesh under Article 26 of the ILO.

ILO Director General Gilbert Houngbo highly praised Bangladesh's groundbreaking labour sector reforms, particularly the ratification of the 10 core Conventions and the enactment of the new Labour Act in 2026.

He assured that the ILO will stand by Bangladesh in maintaining freedom of association and international labour standards in all workplaces, including EPZs, protecting migrant workers and creating employment opportunities, and will continue policy and technical cooperation in all areas, including a proposed joint mission next year.