ILO Governing Body Praises Bangladesh’s New Commitment to Labor Reforms

The newly-formed government of Bangladesh has received significant international backing, with 47 countries voicing their full support during the 356th Governing Body session of the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Geneva. 

According to a message received today (on Monday), these nations congratulated Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s administration, which assumed office following a free, fair, and credible election, and expressed a firm commitment to cooperative engagement with the new leadership.

The session addressed a long-standing case filed in June 2019 under Article 26 of the ILO Constitution, in which five worker representatives from the International Trade Union Confederation accused the previous administration of non-compliance with Conventions 81, 87, and 98. 

While a five-year labor sector reform roadmap was submitted in 2021, the current government today presented the ninth progress report on these reforms. 

Out of the 56-member Governing Body, 19 member states, 28 countries from two regional groups, and various employers’ representatives praised the new government’s "strong commitment to legal and administrative reforms in the labour sector" and urged a rapid settlement of the case.

The Bangladeshi delegation featured Minister of Labour, Employment, and Expatriates’ Welfare Ariful Haque Chowdhury, Prime Minister’s Adviser Mahdi Amin, Permanent Representative to Geneva Nahida Sobhan, and Labour Secretary Abdur Rahman Tarafdar. 

During the proceedings, Adviser Mahdi Amin conveyed warm greetings from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, emphasizing the Premier’s personal dedication to labor rights, worker protection, and social justice. 

Amin noted that the government holds a strong electoral mandate focused on "citizens’ rights, human rights, rule of law, freedom of speech, broad-based employment creation, quality education, skills development, and merit-based growth," asserting that these priorities align perfectly with the ILO’s Decent Work Agenda.

Furthermore, the Adviser informed the Governing Body that a parliamentary special committee has been established to enact the Bangladesh Labour Law Amendment Ordinance 2025. 

He assured the assembly that the government would expedite this process and remains "positively disposed toward amendments developed through tripartite discussions," which aim to foster inclusive and employment-driven development. 

Reaffirming the Prime Minister’s "firm commitment to institutionalizing democracy, strengthening democratic values, and ensuring workers’ rights," the Adviser sought the continued support of the ILO and global stakeholders. 

Following extensive deliberation, the Governing Body unanimously decided that the next session regarding the case will be held in March of next year.