The Bangladesh government has declared that safeguarding the basic rights of workers and building entirely secure factory environments remain top state priorities.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman shared these commitments during a high-profile meeting with International Labour Organization director-general Gilbert F. Houngbo. The official discussion took place at the prime minister's office within the central secretariat in the capital.
Assistant Press Secretary Gazi Shahriar Pamir briefed reporters on the encounter, noting that the global labour chief began the talks by offering warm congratulations to Tarique Rahman for taking charge of the state administration.
The visiting diplomat observed that international faith in the economic future of the nation had grown significantly since the formation of a fresh government chosen directly through public voting.
Gilbert F. Houngbo expressed a keen desire to deepen the long-standing alliance between the global agency and the host nation. The director-general confirmed that his team would work closely with local ministries to modernise the industrial landscape.
In response, the prime minister expressed gratitude for the ongoing technical support from the global body. The head of government emphasised that his leadership team is placing the greatest possible emphasis on enforcing global worker rights and eliminating workplace hazards.
The international visitor also congratulated the prime minister on a major regional diplomatic success. The Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, Dr Khalilur Rahman, was recently elected as the President of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The director-general described the appointment to the United Nations as a major turning point, demonstrating the growing credibility and diplomatic strength of the nation on the world stage. The official went on to praise the rapid diplomatic progress achieved by the administration since taking office.
Strategic talks between the two leaders covered a broad range of domestic employment issues. The delegates assessed current safety measures in the vital garment manufacturing industry, the growth of the large unregulated informal sector, and overall progress in meeting international legal benchmarks.
Both sides pointed out the urgent need to build a highly skilled workforce capable of adapting to shifting trends in the international economy. They also shared ideas on how to secure the welfare of migrant workers by establishing safer systems for overseas employment.
The assembly concluded with a mutual promise to accelerate ongoing industrial reforms. Tarique Rahman reiterated the nation’s full dedication to nurturing a sustainable, business-friendly, and fair environment for all working citizens.
The high-level strategy session drew participation from several top officials. Attendees included Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury, Prime Minister’s Adviser Mahdi Amin, Labour Secretary Md Abdur Rahman Tarafder, Foreign Ministry Director-General Md Kamruzzaman, ILO Country Director Max Tuñón, and Senior Adviser Hitomi Nakagome.
