Bangladesh is seeking deeper cooperation with the International Labour Organization (ILO) on labour reforms, job creation and workplace standards as the government moves to modernise labour governance and strengthen compliance with global norms.
The Ministry of Labour and Employment said in a statement on Sunday that Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury held talks with ILO Director-General Gilbert F Houngbo at the Secretariat, where the two sides discussed labour law reforms, social protection, skills development and technical support.
Ariful said the government remains committed to protecting workers’ rights and ensuring safer workplaces, citing the enactment of the Bangladesh Labour (Amendment) Act, 2026 as a major step towards aligning the country’s labour framework with international standards.
He said the government is now working on further reforms, including amendments to the Bangladesh Labour Rules, 2015, formation of a tripartite National Social Dialogue Forum, introduction of an independent alternative dispute resolution mechanism and implementation of a digital case management system.
The minister said the government is also moving to expand social protection coverage by introducing a national Employment Injury Scheme for workers in both formal and informal sectors.
He added that a new Directorate of Employment is being established to improve job matching, with employment exchanges planned at district and upazila levels to support self-employment and technical training.
Labour migration was another key focus of the discussion, with Ariful saying the government is working to ensure transparent recruitment channels and reduce migration costs while preventing irregular practices. He said efforts are underway to facilitate overseas employment, including in Malaysia, through a more accountable process.
The minister sought greater technical and institutional support from the ILO to address challenges arising from technological changes and shifting global labour market demands.
He also urged the organisation to expedite the resolution of a complaint filed against Bangladesh under Article 26 of the ILO Constitution, pointing to progress in labour reforms and increased capacity of labour inspection services.
According to the ministry, Houngbo praised Bangladesh’s labour reforms, including its ratification of all 10 fundamental ILO conventions and the introduction of the new labour law.
The ILO chief reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh in improving labour standards, ensuring freedom of association across workplaces including export processing zones, protecting migrant workers and creating employment opportunities.
He also assured continued policy and technical assistance, including through a proposed joint mission in October.
Labour and Employment Secretary Md Abdur Rahman Tarafder, ILO Country Director Max Tunon and senior officials from both organisations attended the meeting.
