ILO launches 'Advancing Decent Work in Bangladesh' project

29 Jun '24

2 min read

ILO launches 'Advancing Decent Work in Bangladesh' project

Pic: ILO

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The International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the government of Bangladesh have launched the 'Advancing Decent Work in Bangladesh' project to aid labour sector reform.
Supported by $24.7 mn over 4 years from the Team Europe Initiative (EU, Denmark, Netherlands, Sweden), it aims to uphold fundamental labour rights, governance, and sustainable enterprises.

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) in association with the government of Bangladesh has launched the ‘Advancing Decent Work in Bangladesh’ project. The initiative aims to support the implementation of the government’s labour sector reform commitments. These reforms support good governance, safeguarding of fundamental principles and rights at work, and sustainable and competitive enterprises – all of which are crucial for Bangladesh's smooth transition from the Least Developed Country (LDC) status in 2026.

The project, with a funding of $24.7 million over the next four years, is under the Team Europe Initiative on Decent Work in Bangladesh by the European Union, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden, ILO said in a press release.

"We are committed to playing our part in supporting social justice, in promoting labour reforms in Bangladesh, and securing decent work for men and women in all industries and sectors of the economy," said Md. Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, MP, state minister, ministry of labour and employment.

Tuomo Poutiainen, country director ILO, highlighted the importance of effective tripartism to support a smooth transition from LDC status in 2026, stating that “fundamental principles and rights at work can only be safeguarded through transparent and consultative processes with workers’ and employers’ organisations.”

Team Europe was represented by Charles Whiteley, ambassador of the European Union; Alexandra Berg von Linde, ambassador of Sweden; Anders Karlsen, head of cooperation, embassy of Denmark; and Thijs Woudstra, head of cooperation, embassy of the Netherlands. In their respective remarks, they highlighted key reform areas vital to uphold labour rights and support Bangladesh's continued global market competitiveness after the LDC graduation.

“We welcome the government’s commitment to labour reforms, and we are eager to support these efforts in creating new success stories in the crucial few years to come – stories of decent work uplifting individuals, strengthening communities, and driving a sustainable economic growth in Bangladesh,” said Whiteley.

Canadian high commissioner Lilly Nicholls said that Canada would join the Advancing Decent Work initiative through a complementary project, pending the government of Bangladesh’s approval. Once officiated, this will further amplify the labour sector reforms, while also introducing additional support for the employment injury scheme pilot in the garments sector.

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