The interim administration of Bangladesh has made a significant move by approving three important International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions that aim to improve workers’ rights, safety, and dignity at work.
Brigadier General (retd.) M Sakhawat Hussain, Adviser for Labour and Employment and Shipping, signed the ratification documents on behalf of the government during a ceremony at the State Guest House Jamuna. Senior authorities, including Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, were present when the signing took place. The three conventions that have been ratified are – Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155); Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187); and Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No. 190). The ILO recognised Conventions 155 and 187 as essential among them in 2022.
Professor Muhammad Yunus, who spoke at the ceremony, stated that the day represents a significant milestone in Bangladesh’s efforts to protect workers’ rights. The current government is committed to bringing about meaningful change, he said, recalling the sad Rana Plaza disaster in 2013.
Professor Yunus said, “From the tragedy of Rana Plaza to today’s signing, we have reached a milestone. At least we completed the paper-related part.”
“Signing the papers is not the end; rather, the real work begins,” he said, highlighting the fact that ratification is only the first step. “We have to fulfill our obligations. Everyone must understand what the convention states and the rights it discusses. Everyone needs to be informed.”
The government’s ratification of three important conventions was hailed by Max Tunon, the ILO Country Director for Bangladesh, who said it demonstrated the nation’s strong commitment to safer and more equitable workplaces.
The ceremony was attended by senior authorities, including Md. Sanwar Jahan Bhuiyan, the Labour and Employment Secretary; Md. Mahmudul Hossain Khan, the Secretary of the Chief Adviser’s Office; and Lutfey Siddiqi, the Chief Adviser’s Special Envoy on International Affairs.
