Adviser to the Ministry of Labour and Employment and the Ministry of Shipping Brigadier General (Retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hossain met with Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi at the Ministry of Shipping’s conference room on Tuesday.
In the meeting, they discussed labour sector reforms, the elimination of child and forced labour, development of the shipbreaking industry and enhancing mutual cooperation.
The adviser said, “Amendments to the labour law would incorporate International Labour Organization (ILO) recommendations and the European Action Plan. Bangladesh has ratified ILO Conventions 138 and 182 to eradicate child labour, and the process is under way to approve Conventions 155, 187 and 190 to strengthen occupational safety. Strict provisions are also being included in the amended law to prohibit forced labour.
“Bangladesh had recently assumed the role of new coordinator country for the Asia-Pacific Group (ASPAG) after a meeting of labour ministers in Geneva, Switzerland. Calling Japan’s handover of this responsibility historically significant, he announced plans to host the ASPAG Labour Ministers’ Regional Conference later this year. He also sought Japan’s assistance in upgrading the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health in Rajshahi to international standards.”
On shipbreaking and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) candidature, the adviser said, “Several shipyards had already received “green certificates” under the Hong Kong Convention, while the government would help the remaining yards meet international standards.”
He sought Japan’s support for Bangladesh’s bid to join the IMO Council in Category ‘C’ for the 2026–27 term.
At Tuesday’s meeting, Japanese ambassador Shinichi discussed the National Action Plan for labour law reforms, steps to ban forced labour, the construction of a dockyard in Matarbari and the National Port Strategy for Chattogram port.
Shinichi informed Sakhawat that a delegation led by a former Japanese labour minister and current parliamentarian would soon visit Bangladesh to review workers’ rights, decent working conditions and government initiatives. He assured that Japan’s trust and cooperation with Bangladesh would remain steadfast.
Senior officials from the Japanese Embassy, Shipping Ministry, and Labour and Employment Ministry were also present at the discussion.