Diplomatic Desk:
“Bangladesh is embarking on a new journey to improve work ambience,” says the State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shama Obaed Islam, MP, during her meeting with the Director-General of the ILO, Mr. Gilbert F. Houngbo.
Mr. Houngbo met with the State Minister for Foreign Affairs on Sunday (19 July, 2026) afternoon at the latter’s office during his two-day-long visit to Bangladesh.
During the meeting, the State Minister for Foreign Affairs highlighted the Government’s commitment to advancing decent work, social justice, and labour rights through comprehensive labour-sector reforms. She reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to fulfilling the pledges made in the election manifesto to advance democracy, human rights, and workers’ rights.
She called for the ILO’s continued cooperation and constructive engagement in strengthening labour governance, protecting migrant workers, and facilitating safe, regular, and skilled labour mobility from Bangladesh.
The State Minister expressed hope that Bangladesh’s significant progress in labour-sector reform would be duly recognized at the upcoming ILO Governing Body Session and pave the way for the earliest closure of the ongoing case against Bangladesh under Article 26 of the ILO Constitution.
The ILO Director-General expressed deep appreciation for the efforts and political commitment of the Bangladesh Government in ensuring a better world of work. He reaffirmed the Organization’s continued support for Bangladesh’s endeavours and priorities in advancing labour-sector reform, decent work, and social justice.
“Success of Bangladesh in improving the labour situation in the country can be an example for the ILO’s engagement with other countries,” he said.
Both sides expressed their commitment to further strengthening the Bangladesh–ILO partnership.
