Dhaka signs OIC Statute for promoting labour rights

Bangladesh has officially signed the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Labour Centre Statute at the OIC headquarters in Jeddah which will contribute towards promoting labour rights and welfare in Bangladesh as a signatory country.

On behalf of the government of Bangladesh, Labour and Employment Adviser Brig Gen (retd) M Sakhawat Hussain signed the Statute at a ceremony on Sunday, according to the foreign ministry.

The adviser was warmly greeted and received by Assistant Secretary General (ASG) for Economic Affairs of OIC Ahmad Kawesa Sengendo.

At a discussion between the Bangladesh adviser and the OIC ASG, it was noted that the signing of such an important legal document as the Labour Centre Statute will contribute towards promoting labour rights and welfare in Bangladesh as a signatory country.

Sakhawat Hussain pointed out that Bangladesh is a signatory of all ILO core conventions and protocols.

The Bangladesh government has taken remarkable measures to enhance factory safety and health, minimum wage, and other welfare-related benefits to the workers, he said.

Ahmad Kawesa congratulated Bangladesh on signing the Statute and thanked the adviser for updating him about Bangladesh’s labour forces and their uplifting.

Both sides stressed deeper understanding and closer cooperation in trade, investment, and labour-related issues.

The adviser who also holds the shipping portfolio briefly informed the OIC officials about Bangladesh’s burgeoning shipbuilding industry, which is employing a growing number of skilled and semiskilled labourers.

Bangladesh Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the OIC MJH Jabed and senior officials of the Ministry of Labour and Employment also attended the signing ceremony.