Saturday, 25 October, 2025
The government on Wednesday ratified three major conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO), marking what Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus described as a “memorable day in the history of Bangladesh’s working people.”
With these latest ratifications—on occupational safety, workplace health, and the prevention of violence and harassment—Bangladesh has now become the only country in South Asia to have ratified all ten fundamental ILO conventions.
The signing ceremony took place at the State Guest House Jamuna, where Labour and Employment Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) Dr M. Sakhawat Hussain signed the instruments of ratification on behalf of the government in the presence of Chief Adviser Prof Yunus.
Also present were Special Envoy of the Chief Adviser for International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqui, Secretary of the Chief Adviser’s Office Md Mahmudul Hossain Khan, Labour Secretary Dr Md Sanwar Jahan Bhuiyan, and ILO Country Director for Bangladesh Max Tuñón, among other senior officials.
The three conventions signed are: Convention No. 155 (1981) on Occupational Safety and Health, Convention No. 187 (2006) on the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health, and Convention No. 190 (2019) on the Elimination of Violence and Harassment in the World of Work. Of these, Conventions 155 and 187 were declared “fundamental” by the ILO in 2022.
A signing ceremony of ratification was held at the State Guest House Jamuna today, in the presence of the Chief Adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus. Photo: CA's Facebook
Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Adviser Prof Yunus said the signing marked a long-awaited victory for labour rights and fulfilled a promise he made to himself after the 2013 Rana Plaza tragedy.
“After the Rana Plaza disaster, the government at the time promised reforms but did little. When I took charge, I made labour rights my first priority. I said repeatedly that it must be done—and today, we have done it,” he told the gathering.
He described the event as a personal milestone and a national commitment. “The journey that began with the loss of those workers’ lives has reached a major checkpoint today. This is a step towards repaying that debt,” he said, adding, “Signing the documents is only the beginning—the real task now is implementation.”
Prof Yunus said the interim government’s signing of the conventions demonstrated a firm commitment to building a safer and fairer workplace environment across the country. “We must now ensure that what these conventions promise reaches every worker and employer. Everyone must be aware of these rights and responsibilities,” he added.
While calling it a landmark achievement, the Chief Adviser warned that the signing of papers alone was not enough.
“We have reached a milestone, but it is just the first step. We must uphold what we have signed, ensure that these rights are practised, and that no worker remains unaware of them,” he said.
He urged ministries, employers, and trade unions to work together under the ILO framework to raise awareness and strengthen workplace safety mechanisms.
Labour and Employment Adviser Brig Gen (Retd) Dr M. Sakhawat Hussain termed the day “a proud and historic moment” for the interim government.
“This was a major challenge, but under the Chief Adviser’s strong leadership, we have overcome it. From day one, this government has been committed to protecting workers’ rights and improving labour conditions,” he said.
He noted that ratifying the conventions would further boost Bangladesh’s international reputation and contribute to sustainable growth in export sectors where compliance standards are vital.
Special Envoy on International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqui said the achievement was the result of intense and coordinated efforts at home and abroad.
“The journey was not easy, but it was worthwhile. Our experience at the Geneva ILO session was remarkable. Everyone involved worked tirelessly, and I am grateful for that,” he said.
ILO Country Director for Bangladesh Max Tuñón congratulated the interim government for its “visionary leadership” and reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting implementation.
“This is a major step for Bangladesh’s workers and its economy. Ratifying these conventions strengthens the country’s global standing and reinforces its commitment to international labour standards,” he said.
He assured continued ILO assistance to help the government, employers, and workers’ representatives translate these commitments into practical action.
Tunón also urged Bangladesh to move towards adopting a national Labour Charter based on consensus among political parties ahead of the February general elections, ensuring long-term stability in labour policies.
“The ILO will continue to provide technical assistance, particularly in implementing the recommendations of the Labour Law Reform Commission,” he said.
Officials at the ceremony said the ratification represented a defining moment in Bangladesh’s labour journey, especially in the decade following the Rana Plaza tragedy, which exposed widespread safety lapses and prompted global scrutiny.
They said the move would help improve workers’ protection across sectors, strengthen occupational safety, and address violence and harassment in workplaces—especially against women.
The Chief Adviser’s Press Wing later described the day as “memorable in the history of realising the rights of working people in Bangladesh.”
“From the tragedy of Rana Plaza to today’s signing, we have reached a milestone,” the Chief Adviser was quoted as saying. “We have moved one step forward in fulfilling the responsibility entrusted to us by the workers who sacrificed their lives.”
With Wednesday’s signing, Bangladesh’s ratification of all ten fundamental ILO conventions underscores the interim government’s commitment to aligning national laws and practices with global standards.
Experts said this achievement could bolster Bangladesh’s international image, enhance trade competitiveness, and improve labour relations—marking a turning point in the nation’s quest for social justice and decent work for all.
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The government on Wednesday ratified three major conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO), marking what Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus described as a “memorable day in the history of Bangladesh’s working people.”
With these latest ratifications—on occupational safety, workplace health, and the prevention of violence and harassment—Bangladesh has now become the only country in South Asia to have ratified all ten fundamental ILO conventions.
The signing ceremony took place at the State Guest House Jamuna, where Labour and Employment Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) Dr M. Sakhawat Hussain signed the instruments of ratification on behalf of the government in the presence of Chief Adviser Prof Yunus.
Also present were Special Envoy of the Chief Adviser for International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqui, Secretary of the Chief Adviser’s Office Md Mahmudul Hossain Khan, Labour Secretary Dr Md Sanwar Jahan Bhuiyan, and ILO Country Director for Bangladesh Max Tuñón, among other senior officials.
The three conventions signed are: Convention No. 155 (1981) on Occupational Safety and Health, Convention No. 187 (2006) on the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health, and Convention No. 190 (2019) on the Elimination of Violence and Harassment in the World of Work. Of these, Conventions 155 and 187 were declared “fundamental” by the ILO in 2022.
A signing ceremony of ratification was held at the State Guest House Jamuna today, in the presence of the Chief Adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus. Photo: CA's Facebook
Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Adviser Prof Yunus said the signing marked a long-awaited victory for labour rights and fulfilled a promise he made to himself after the 2013 Rana Plaza tragedy.
“After the Rana Plaza disaster, the government at the time promised reforms but did little. When I took charge, I made labour rights my first priority. I said repeatedly that it must be done—and today, we have done it,” he told the gathering.
He described the event as a personal milestone and a national commitment. “The journey that began with the loss of those workers’ lives has reached a major checkpoint today. This is a step towards repaying that debt,” he said, adding, “Signing the documents is only the beginning—the real task now is implementation.”
Prof Yunus said the interim government’s signing of the conventions demonstrated a firm commitment to building a safer and fairer workplace environment across the country. “We must now ensure that what these conventions promise reaches every worker and employer. Everyone must be aware of these rights and responsibilities,” he added.
While calling it a landmark achievement, the Chief Adviser warned that the signing of papers alone was not enough.
“We have reached a milestone, but it is just the first step. We must uphold what we have signed, ensure that these rights are practised, and that no worker remains unaware of them,” he said.
He urged ministries, employers, and trade unions to work together under the ILO framework to raise awareness and strengthen workplace safety mechanisms.
Labour and Employment Adviser Brig Gen (Retd) Dr M. Sakhawat Hussain termed the day “a proud and historic moment” for the interim government.
“This was a major challenge, but under the Chief Adviser’s strong leadership, we have overcome it. From day one, this government has been committed to protecting workers’ rights and improving labour conditions,” he said.
He noted that ratifying the conventions would further boost Bangladesh’s international reputation and contribute to sustainable growth in export sectors where compliance standards are vital.
Special Envoy on International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqui said the achievement was the result of intense and coordinated efforts at home and abroad.
“The journey was not easy, but it was worthwhile. Our experience at the Geneva ILO session was remarkable. Everyone involved worked tirelessly, and I am grateful for that,” he said.
ILO Country Director for Bangladesh Max Tuñón congratulated the interim government for its “visionary leadership” and reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting implementation.
“This is a major step for Bangladesh’s workers and its economy. Ratifying these conventions strengthens the country’s global standing and reinforces its commitment to international labour standards,” he said.
He assured continued ILO assistance to help the government, employers, and workers’ representatives translate these commitments into practical action.
Tunón also urged Bangladesh to move towards adopting a national Labour Charter based on consensus among political parties ahead of the February general elections, ensuring long-term stability in labour policies.
“The ILO will continue to provide technical assistance, particularly in implementing the recommendations of the Labour Law Reform Commission,” he said.
Officials at the ceremony said the ratification represented a defining moment in Bangladesh’s labour journey, especially in the decade following the Rana Plaza tragedy, which exposed widespread safety lapses and prompted global scrutiny.
They said the move would help improve workers’ protection across sectors, strengthen occupational safety, and address violence and harassment in workplaces—especially against women.
The Chief Adviser’s Press Wing later described the day as “memorable in the history of realising the rights of working people in Bangladesh.”
“From the tragedy of Rana Plaza to today’s signing, we have reached a milestone,” the Chief Adviser was quoted as saying. “We have moved one step forward in fulfilling the responsibility entrusted to us by the workers who sacrificed their lives.”
With Wednesday’s signing, Bangladesh’s ratification of all ten fundamental ILO conventions underscores the interim government’s commitment to aligning national laws and practices with global standards.
Experts said this achievement could bolster Bangladesh’s international image, enhance trade competitiveness, and improve labour relations—marking a turning point in the nation’s quest for social justice and decent work for all.
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