Labor Law Reforms Underway to Meet ILO Standards: Dr. Yunus

The country’s existing labor laws are being reformed to align with the standards of the International Labour Organization (ILO), according to Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of the interim government.

He made this statement on Wednesday (February 5) morning during a meeting with the leaders of Nirapon, an organization working to improve worker safety in Bangladesh’s industrial sector, at the Jamuna State Guest House.

The Chief Adviser assured Nirapon officials that the interim government is committed to implementing significant labor reforms to bring the country’s labor laws up to ILO standards.

"We have already taken some measures, and the results will be visible very soon," he added.

During the meeting, Lutfi Siddiqui, Special Envoy to the Chief Adviser, mentioned that the interim government had already signed an 18-point agreement with labor unions and manufacturers. This agreement has contributed to stability in the sector and has helped boost garment exports.

Simon Sultana, Chairman of Nirapon, thanked the Chief Adviser for initiating reforms in the garment industry. The Nirapon delegation was also led by Tapan Chowdhury, Independent Director of the organization. Representatives of leading Western brands and retailers were present at the meeting.

Senior Secretary for SDG Affairs, Lamia Morshed, and Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), Chowdhury Ashiq Mahmud Bin Harun, also attended the event.