Mirza Fakhrul stresses ILO’s role in labour welfare, workplace safety

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday said cooperation with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) is essential for ensuring a safe working environment and improving labour welfare in Bangladesh.

He made the remarks during a meeting with an ILO delegation, led by ILO Bangladesh Country Director Max Tunon, at his ministry office in the Bangladesh Secretariat.

Mirza Fakhrul said the ILO can play a pivotal role in promoting workers’ welfare, improving workplace safety and supporting the overall development of labour standards in the country. He added that stronger international collaboration is needed to enhance employment opportunities and improve living standards.

Discussions in the meeting focused on improving the livelihoods of city corporation sanitation workers, enhancing their skills, creating new employment opportunities and developing modern waste management systems, according to a ministry press release.

The minister also emphasised strengthening cooperation in key areas such as employment generation, trade expansion, industrialisation, addressing the impacts of climate change and improving the capacity of local government institutions.

He stressed the importance of coordinated efforts between public and private sector organisations to ensure sustainable development and better service delivery.

In a separate meeting, Mirza Fakhrul also held discussions with a delegation from the China State Construction Engineering Corporation. The talks focused on expanding cooperation in infrastructure and urban development in Bangladesh.

Both sides discussed potential joint initiatives in safe water supply systems, modern sewerage networks and broader urban infrastructure development projects.

The minister reiterated that international partnerships are vital for creating employment opportunities, ensuring safe workplaces and supporting the country’s long-term development goals.

Senior officials from the Local Government Division and heads of subordinate agencies were also present at the meetings.