ILO Director-General supports labour reform and decent work in Bangladesh

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ILO Director-General supports labour reform and decent work in Bangladesh

Talks with the Prime Minister and tripartite partners focused on labour law reform, social dialogue, job creation and social protection as Bangladesh undergoes several transitions, including political and economic changes.

21 July 2026

DHAKA (ILO News) - ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo visited Bangladesh for high-level discussions with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and tripartite partners on advancing decent work, strengthening labour institutions and supporting inclusive economic growth.

The two-day visit took place at an important moment for Bangladesh, as the country continues to strengthen its labour framework, prepares for its transition from least developed country (LDC) to developing country status, and invests in economic growth that creates greater opportunities for workers and enterprises.

The visit follows Bangladesh's ratification of three conventions in November 2025, making it the first country in Asia to have ratified all ten ILO fundamental conventions. In April 2026, Bangladesh also amended its Labour Act, introducing further measures to strengthen labour protections and institutions. These developments form part of the Government's Road Map to address a longstanding labour-related complaint that will return to the agenda of the ILO Governing Body in March 2027.

"Bangladesh's recent reforms send a clear signal of intent, and the ILO remains fully committed to supporting the government, employers, and workers in turning this progress into lasting change. By ratifying all ten ILO fundamental Conventions and advancing social dialogue, the country has achieved measurable milestones. As Bangladesh prepares for its LDC transition, our shared priority is to build on this strong foundation together," Mr Houngbo stated on his visit.

By ratifying all ten ILO fundamental Conventions and advancing social dialogue, the country (Bangladesh) has achieved measurable milestones.

During his meeting with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the Director-General discussed Bangladesh's labour and employment priorities, including the Government's five-year development and reform framework, labour reforms and the country's transition from least developed country (LDC) status.

The Director-General also met with the Minister and Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Employment to review progress across areas of cooperation between the ILO in Bangladesh, the Government and social partners. Discussions covered labour administration, fundamental principles and rights at work, gender equality, and efforts to strengthen labour market institutions.

The mission highlighted the importance of skills development and employment creation in supporting Bangladesh's economic transformation. The ILO emphasized the need to align skills systems with labour market demand, expand opportunities for underserved groups and support enterprise-led job creation to boost productivity and promote decent work.

The Director-General also recognized progress in Bangladesh's ready-made garment (RMG) sector, including through the ILO-IFC Better Work programme, which supports factories and sector partners in improving labour compliance, management systems and grievance mechanisms.

As part of his engagement with Bangladesh tripartite partners, the Director-General met with trade union leaders, including representatives of the National Coordination Committee for Workers' Education, and with the President and General Secretary of the Bangladesh Employers' Federation. He also met with the Executive Chairperson of the Bangladesh Export Processing Zone Authority to discuss labour standards in export processing zones.

Advancing towards its next stage of development, Bangladesh must prioritize strengthening its labour laws, institutions, and social dialogue. This focus is essential to ensure economic transformation translates into productive employment, stronger protections, and sustainable opportunities for workers and enterprises.