Bangladesh signs three ILO conventions on occupational safety

This makes Bangladesh the first South Asian country to have ratified all 10 fundamental ILO conventions

The interim government has signed three conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO).

Labour and Employment Advisor Sakhawat Hussain signed the conventions on Wednesday at the State Guest House Jamuna.

The conventions include ILO Convention No. 155 on Occupational Safety and Health, Convention No. 187 on the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health, and Convention No. 190 on the Elimination of Violence and Harassment in the World of Work.

Among them, Conventions 155 and 187 were designated as fundamental conventions by the ILO in 2022.

According to a statement from the Chief Advisor’s Office, the endorsement of these three conventions reflects the interim government’s strong commitment to protecting workers’ rights and safety. With this, Bangladesh becomes the only country in South Asia to have ratified all 10 fundamental ILO conventions.

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus said, “Since I took office as the Chief Adviser, labour rights were my first priority. I held meetings time and again and kept saying everywhere that this must be done. Signing this will benefit all of us.”

Expressing gratitude to all those involved, he added: “From the tragedy of Rana Plaza to today’s signing, we have reached a milestone. At least we complete the paper related part.”

“We moved one step forward of the responsibility that the workers of Rana Plaza bestowed on us by sacrificing their lives. I had promised to myself that I will do this. Today I feel joy that we reached a stage. Our efforts will bear fruit if we ensure full and sincere implementation of it.”

ILO Country Director for Bangladesh Max Tunon congratulated the interim government for signing the conventions and reaffirmed the ILO’s commitment to supporting their effective implementation in collaboration with the government, workers, and law-enforcing agencies.

He also promised support in implementing the recommendations of the Labour Law Reform Commission and suggested that political parties contesting in the upcoming February elections adopt a consensus-based labour charter.