The interim government today signed three International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions guaranteeing workers’ rights, safety, and freedom from violence and harassment in the workplace.
The conventions — Nos. 155 and 187 — relate to occupational safety, health, and the working environment, while Convention 190 recognises the right to a workplace free from violence and harassment.
The move comes amid growing calls from trade unions, labour rights bodies, and Western countries, including those in Europe and the United States, for Bangladesh to improve working conditions following repeated industrial disasters and continuing concerns over workers’ rights.
“This day will be remembered as a milestone in Bangladesh’s struggle for workers’ rights,” said Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus after the signing of the instruments of ratification for the three conventions.
Labour and Employment Adviser Brig Gen (retd) M Sakhawat Hussain signed the instruments at the state guest house Jamuna. Chief Adviser’s Special Envoy for International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi, Labour and Employment Secretary Sanwar Jahan Bhuiyan, and ILO Country Director Max Tunon, among others, were present.
Recalling the Rana Plaza tragedy of 2013, Yunus said that although the then government had pledged various reforms after the incident, little had been implemented.
“We said, no more ‘being done or will be done’; we will actually do it,” he said.
He added that upon taking office, his first focus was on labour rights and that the signing of these conventions would benefit all.
“This is only the beginning. Signing the documents does not mean the work is done; the work has just begun,” he said.
Labour Adviser Sakhawat Hussain said everyone had worked extremely hard for this achievement and added that the interim government had been sincerely working to protect workers’ rights from the outset.
Lutfey Siddiqi said the journey had been difficult but rewarding, noting that all parties had worked tirelessly to make it possible.
With the ratification of these three conventions, Bangladesh has become the only country in South Asia to ratify all 10 fundamental ILO conventions, the statement added.
Courtesy: Daily Star Online
