Staff Reporter:
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam yesterday said Bangladesh is embarking on a new
journey to improve the country's work environment through comprehensive labor-sector reforms aimed at
advancing decent work, social justice and workers' rights.
“Bangladesh is embarking on a new journey to improve work ambience,” she said during a meeting with
International Labour Organization (ILO) Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo at her office here this
afternoon, said a foreign ministry’s press release.
Houngbo met the state minister as part of his two-day visit to Bangladesh.
During the meeting, Shama highlighted the government's commitment to advancing decent work, social
justice and labor rights through comprehensive reforms in the labour sector.
She reaffirmed the government's commitment to fulfilling pledges made in its election manifesto to
advance democracy, human rights and workers' rights.
The state minister also sought the ILO's continued cooperation and constructive engagement in
strengthening labor governance, protecting migrant workers and facilitating safe, regular and skilled
labour mobility from Bangladesh.
Shama expressed hope that Bangladesh's significant progress in labor-sector reforms would be duly
recognized at the upcoming session of the ILO Governing Body and help pave the way for the earliest
possible closure of the ongoing case against Bangladesh under Article 26 of the ILO Constitution.
The ILO director-general expressed deep appreciation for the Bangladesh government's efforts and
political commitment towards ensuring a better world of work.
He reaffirmed the ILO's continued support for Bangladesh's priorities and efforts to advance labour-sector
reforms, decent work and social justice.
“Success of Bangladesh in improving the labor situation in the country can be an example for ILO’s
engagement with other countries,” Houngbo said.
Both sides expressed their commitment to further strengthening the partnership between Bangladesh and
the ILO.
