Sakhawat Urges Global Cooperation to Ensure Decent Work Environ

Labour and Employment Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) Dr. M Sakhawat Hossain

Labour and Employment Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) Dr. M Sakhawat Hossain has called for enhanced mutual cooperation among international development partners to ensure a decent and equitable working environment for all workers.

Currently visiting Geneva to attend the 353rd Governing Body meeting of the International Labour Organization (ILO), Dr. Hossain made his remarks during a meeting with the Governing Body members in Geneva, Switzerland. The meeting was part of a series of discussions aimed at improving global labour standards.

During his address, Dr. Hossain referenced the historic Student-People’s Mass Uprising of July-August 2024, emphasizing the interim government’s unwavering commitment to aligning Bangladesh's labour policies with international standards. He stated, “The government is fully dedicated to creating a working environment that ensures dignity, respect, and security for every worker, in line with global labour conventions.”

The event was organized by the Bangladesh Mission in Geneva and attracted significant international participation, with ministers from Japan, Tanzania, Niger, and Malawi, as well as ambassadors and high commissioners from 20 countries, including the United States, India, Canada, Australia, Mexico, Japan, Oman, the Philippines, Nepal, the Netherlands, and Mozambique. Representatives from global workers' and employers' organizations were also present.

Dr. Hossain highlighted the significant strides Bangladesh has made in improving labour conditions, particularly within the ready-made garment (RMG) sector, where approximately 70 percent of the workforce is female. He emphasized the role of the RMG industry in empowering women and promoting economic independence, making a vital contribution to both gender equality and national economic growth.

In addition to the discussions, Dr. Hossain attended a dinner hosted by the Labour and Employment Secretary and the Permanent Representative of the Bangladesh Mission in Geneva, where representatives from 20 countries gathered to further discuss collaborative efforts to improve working conditions globally.