Advancing Decent Work in Bangladesh

Project impact

More Bangladeshi men and women workers enjoy decent work through improved policies and laws, accountable, gender-responsive and inclusive labour market institutions, and sustainable business practices contributing to competitiveness of industries.

The project has five outcomes:

Outcome 1: Bangladesh labour laws align more with International Labour Standards, and the application of laws is enhanced

ILO builds stakeholder capacity on labour laws and International Labour Standards (ILS), focusing on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (FPRW), gender, and inclusion. This supports law amendments in line with ILS and improve participation in ILO’s supervisory mechanisms. Partnerships with universities and advocacy efforts broaden access to labour law information, improving labour law understanding.

Outcome 2: Labour administration institutions are supported to be functioning and effective in line with ILS and good governance

The project drives improved governance within the Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoLE), Department of Labour (DoL), Department Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE), and the labour judiciary. Initiatives include enhancing trade union registration, developing a robust National Industrial Relations system, supporting on evidence-based national wage-setting system, improvements to the labour inspection system through strategic compliance and implementing the National Plan of Action on Occupational Safety and Health.

Outcome 3: Strengthened social dialogue platforms and mechanisms that are effective, gender-responsive, and inclusive

The project supports effective social dialogue between tripartite constituents to promote social justice, inclusive economic growth, and improved working conditions. The ILO focuses on their capacity building, particularly women and youth, and operational support to the National and Readymade Garments (RMG) tripartite consultative councils (TCCs).

Outcome 4: Enterprises become more gender-responsive, inclusive, safe, sustainable, and competitive, supporting decent work integration and promotion

The project works directly with industries and enterprises to support the implementation of enacted laws and policies. Building on the lessons learned in RMG, it aims to enhance good labour practices in both the RMG sector and other industries, promoting responsible business conduct and human rights due diligence preparedness.

Outcome 5: Improved systems and processes to reduce child labour, with priority given to hazardous forms

The project opts to develop a robust evidence base on child labour’s root causes in sectors like informal tailoring, domestic garment production, and tanneries. Expansion of the child labour monitoring system, public awareness campaigns and training for officials will connect vulnerable families to social protection and vocational education schemes, supporting the elimination of child labour from selected sectors.