Labour reform tied to tariffs, market access progresses fast

Bangladesh plans to complete labour-law amendment by June next year, a high-level meet with diplomats of key western countries was told Monday, as they noted this issue is linked to market access, trade decisions and tariffs.

The diplomats remind that labour reform is a must for successful LDC graduation, scheduled for next year, and sought 'accountability for past violations' of labour law.

Special Envoy to the Chief Adviser for International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi held the high-level consultation with ambassadors and high commissioners of western nations, including the US, the UK, Canada and the European Union and the ILO envoy, at the Chief Adviser's Office in Tejgaon to review the past eight months' progress on labour reforms and outline the interim government's roadmap ahead.

He was joined by technical experts and labour-rights specialists.

Lutfey delivered the first full summary of government reform efforts since July 2024.

"Over the past eight months, we've made dramatic progress," the special envoy told the foreign envoys. "The ILO roadmap is not just a guide - it's a commitment. We're investing time, energy and goodwill to get this right both in terms of process and outcome."

He commended the personal engagement and moral authority of Labour Adviser Dr Sakhawat Hossain who spent hours with tripartite stakeholders to bring them along.

Labour Secretary AHM Shafiquzzaman said, "We are targeting July 2025 for conclusion of labour-law amendments and other substantial milestones. The process is moving fast."

European Union Ambassador Michael Miller called the process "unprecedented" and said, "We note that there's been a lot of social dialogue and we appreciate the sense of urgency. We look forward to seeing the draft legislation soon and track tangible improvements on the ground. Resolution of this has implications for continued access to EU markets."

United States Chargé d'Affaires Tracey Ann Jacobson said, "We welcome the momentum under the current government and would also like to see accountability for past violations."

Canadian High Commissioner Ajit Singh said they appreciate the work done so far and support the ILO roadmap. "This is particularly important for Bangladesh in the context of LDC graduation."

British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke stressed that Bangladesh's LDC graduation must be backed by strong labour standards. "I echo others in expressing my appreciation for the seriousness with which the interim government of Bangladesh has approached this issue."

ILO Country Director Tuomo Poutiainen remarked, "We're very close to shaping the updated Bangladesh Labour Act. What matters now is doing this in a way that stands the test of time and protects workers in the long run."

Legislative Secretary Dr Hafiz Ahmed Chowdhury confirmed they had made substantial legal progress and their team is working closely with stakeholders.

Mr Lutfey also briefed the diplomats on earlier inter-ministerial meetings with Home, Labour, and Public Administration Ministries to address politically motivated cases from the previous regime, better dispute-resolution mechanisms to avert logjam in courts, and the issue of insufficient capacity in inspector roles.

"This is not just a domestic issue," Lutfey said. "Labour rights are now tied to market access, global trade decisions, including the tariff agenda of President Trump. We must act accordingly."

Diplomats agreed that labour reform and accountability must remain a priority across all political contexts. Several reaffirmed their countries' commitment to supporting Bangladesh's transition.

"The July uprising provides a unique opportunity for the Bangladesh government to do the right thing. We are grateful for the support from everyone as we approach the final stretch towards closing the case at the ILO governing board," the CA's special envoy said in conclusion.

mirmostafiz@yahoo.com