Bangladesh presents labour sector progress at World of Work Summit: PM

Bangladesh has presented various steps, taken to reform its labour sector, to the world community by participating in the 'World of Work Summit: Social Justice for All' held in Geneva recently.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina gave the information at a press conference at Ganabhaban on Wednesday on the outcome of her recent visits to Qatar and Switzerland, reports BSS.

"Overall, by participating in the 'World of Work Summit: Social Justice for All', we have been able to present the various steps, taken by the government to reform the labour sector, to the world community," she said.

The prime minister said, “I addressed the plenary session of the 'World of Work Summit 2023' at the UN Office in Geneva. I highlighted the various initiatives taken to establish social justice with the spirit of the Great Liberation War as well as the various labour-friendly programmes and initiatives taken by our government.”

“I specifically mentioned that a major industrialised country in the world ratified only two ILO fundamental instruments but Bangladesh has ratified eight out of 10 fundamental instruments,” she said.

“I reiterated our government's firm commitment to creating a safe work environment, eliminating child labour, ending harassment of women at work places, promoting environment-friendly industries, etc,” Sheikh Hasina said.

“I also presented five-point recommendations to make fruitful the initiative of forming a global alliance for the establishment of social justice. Quoting the speeches of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, I said only social justice can lay the foundation for ensuring peace and sustainable development.”

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi paid a courtesy call on Sheikh Hasina on June 14 during her visit to Switzerland

Referring to the meeting, the prime minister called on UNHCR to create a congenial environment in Myanmar for quick and safe repatriation of Rohingya refugees.

“At the same time, I sought their support in expediting the temporary relocation of a section of Rohingya population to Bhasanchar. I expressed concern over the declining amount of international financial assistance, including food aid, for the Rohingya population and emphasised the importance of maintaining the attention of the international community to this end,” she said.

On Saturday last, the premier returned home from Geneva, Switzerland after attending the "World of Work Summit: Social Justice for All" held on 14-15 June.

Besides, the prime minister attended the 3rd Qatar Economic Forum which took place in Qatar capital Doha on 23-25 May.