Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday reaffirmed his government’s commitment to protecting workers’ rights, improving workplace safety and implementing international labour standards during a meeting with International Labour Organization (ILO) Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo.

The courtesy meeting was held at the Prime Minister’s Office in the Bangladesh Secretariat, said a press release issued by the Prime Minister’s Press Wing.

During the meeting, Houngbo said Bangladesh’s commitment to labour sector reforms and implementation of international labour standards has been receiving positive recognition internationally.

The Prime Minister reiterated his government’s commitment to ensuring a worker-friendly and sustainable working environment, the press release said.

The ILO Director-General expressed his organisation’s readiness to further expand cooperation with Bangladesh to support labour sector development.

The two sides discussed a wide range of issues, including strengthening social protection for workers, enhancing skills development, creating more employment opportunities and building a skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of the evolving global labour market.

They also exchanged views on the progress of Bangladesh’s readymade garment sector, workplace safety, development of the informal labour market and the country’s achievements in implementing international labour standards.

Both sides stressed the importance of expanding cooperation between the government and the ILO to advance ongoing labour sector reforms.

The discussion also covered the protection and welfare of migrant workers, promotion of safe and orderly migration and enhanced cooperation in improving the skills of overseas-bound workers.

Congratulating Tarique Rahman on assuming office, Houngbo said the international community’s confidence in Bangladesh has grown stronger since a government elected through direct public votes took office.

He said the ILO is keen to further deepen its long-standing partnership with Bangladesh and continue working closely with the government to improve the country’s labour sector.

The ILO chief also congratulated the Prime Minister on the election of Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman as President of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, describing it as a significant recognition of Bangladesh’s diplomatic standing and growing international credibility.

He also praised the government’s recent diplomatic achievements on the global stage.

Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury, the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Labour and Employment Mahadi Amin, Labour and Employment Secretary Md Abdur Rahman Tarafdar, Director General (United Nations) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Md Kamruzzaman, ILO Country Director in Bangladesh Max Tuñón and Senior Adviser to the ILO Director-General at the organisation’s Geneva headquarters Hitomi Nakagome  were present at the meeting.