Bangladesh has urged the International Labour Organization (ILO) to expedite the resolution of the complaint filed against the country under Article 26 of the ILO Constitution, citing significant progress in labour law reforms and workers’ rights.
The request was made by Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury during a meeting with ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo at the Secretariat on Sunday.
Mr Chowdhury said Bangladesh has made substantial progress in aligning its labour regime with international standards, including the enactment of the Bangladesh Labour (Amendment) Act, 2026.
He also noted that Bangladesh has become the first country in Asia to ratify all 10 of the ILO’s fundamental conventions.
Seeking enhanced technical and institutional cooperation from the ILO, the minister said the government is pressing ahead with a series of reforms, including amendments to the Bangladesh Labour Rules, 2015, the establishment of a tripartite National Social Dialogue Forum, the introduction of an independent alternative dispute resolution mechanism, and a digital case management system.
He said the government is also preparing to introduce a nationwide Employment Injury Scheme (EIS) covering workers in both the formal and informal sectors.
The minister added that a new Department of Employment is being established to expand employment opportunities at home and abroad.
The proposed department will set up employment exchanges at the district and upazila levels while promoting self-employment and technical skills development.
He also reiterated the government’s commitment to eliminating irregularities and syndicates in overseas migration and facilitating overseas employment, including in Malaysia, through transparent and lower-cost recruitment processes.
International Labour Organization (ILO) Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo has praised Bangladesh’s recent labour reforms, saying the UN agency will continue working with the government, employers and workers to ensure the reforms translate into stronger protection for workers and better labour market governance.
“The ILO is committed to continuing our collaboration with the Government, workers, and employers of Bangladesh to translate its historic labour reforms into tangible protections for all workers and improved labour market governance,” Houngbo said.
He added that Bangladesh’s ratification of all 10 ILO fundamental conventions, coupled with their effective implementation, could help secure a stronger future for both workers and enterprises.
Labour and Employment Secretary Md Abdur Rahman Tarafder, ILO Bangladesh Country Director Max Tunon, and senior officials from the ministry and the ILO attended the meeting.
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