High level dialogue
Bangladesh strengthens commitment to align labour law with international labour standards
Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of the interim Government of Bangladesh, reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to align its labour law with international labour standards (ILS) in a recent high-level meeting with the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoLE).
6 March 2025
DHAKA (ILO News) - The meeting, held on 5 March 2025, led by the Chief Adviser issued directives to MoLE to reform the country’s labour law to meet international standards for improving the living conditions of millions of labourers employed in different sectors of the country. He outlined a clear vision for Bangladesh’s labour transformation during this meeting held on 5 March 2025 ahead of the 353rd session of the ILO Governing Body, currently being held in Geneva. "We have to do everything positive and get things done. We are not here to make an excuse," said the Chief Adviser., addressed progress on labour law reforms, dispute resolution mechanisms, and strategies to enhance labour market governance. Special Envoy for International Affairs Mr. Lutfey Siddiqi and Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative in Geneva, Mr. Tareq Md. Ariful Islam, also contributed virtually, underscoring Bangladesh’s commitment to fostering global partnerships in labour governance.
The Special Envoy Mr. Siddiqi highlighted the country's proactive engagement in reform efforts focusing on key priorities outlined in the National Action Plan for Labour Reform. He emphasized that concrete steps have already been taken to strengthen independent worker representation in the Tripartite Consultative Council (TCC). He mentioned ensuring due process and strengthening trade unions remains central to the reform agenda and outlined these efforts as crucial for preserving trade relationships and securing Bangladesh’s global economic position.
ILO Bangladesh Country Director Mr. Tuomo Poutiainen reaffirmed ILO’s strong commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s labour modernization efforts, emphasizing key priority areas for reform. He highlighted the need to enhance trade union registration procedures, ensuring a transparent and inclusive process, while also strengthening labour inspections by improving both quality and capacity. "We must emphasize efficient dispute resolution by reducing labour court case backlogs and advancing employment injury schemes. It is crucial to align these efforts with responsible business conduct initiatives. I encourage Bangladesh to showcase its labour reforms at the ILC and consider ratifying key ILO conventions C155, C187, and C190 to align with global standards", stressed Mr. Poutiainen underpinning Bangladesh’s significant presence in the upcoming International Labour Conference in June 2025.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to accelerating labour law reforms and strengthening institutional mechanisms to uphold labour rights and economic resilience.
With a clear roadmap for labour market transformation, Bangladesh—through collaboration with ILO and industry stakeholders—is poised to implement lasting reforms that will enhance workers’ rights, drive economic growth, and solidify its position in the global labour market.