Dhaka, June 12 (V7N)– Bangladesh's Labor and Employment and Shipping Adviser, Brig Gen (retd) Dr. M Sakhawat Hussain, held a bilateral meeting with US Deputy Secretary of Labor Keith E. Sonderling on the sidelines of the International Labour Conference at the ILO Headquarters in Geneva. The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in the labor sector between the two nations, with particular emphasis on protecting workers' rights, ensuring a safe working environment, and developing skills.

According to a press release received in Dhaka on Wednesday, a key area of discussion was the initiation of joint efforts to improve working conditions and ensure fair wages for workers in Bangladesh's crucial ready-made garment (RMG) sector.

During the meeting, Adviser Hussain detailed the comprehensive labor reform program undertaken by the Bangladesh government. He highlighted recent advancements, including the swift amendment of labor laws, the streamlining of trade union registration processes, and the reinforcement of the labor inspection system. He affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring fair wages, conducive working conditions, and adequate compensation, including maternity leave, for workers across all sectors.

Hussain also stated that large construction companies failing to deposit their dividend money into the central fund, as per regulations, would be barred from participating in any government procurement. He underscored the Bangladesh government's relentless efforts to foster a safe, sustainable, and fair working environment across all industrial sectors, including the RMG, ship-breaking, and construction industries.

Touching upon Bangladesh's demographic advantage, the Adviser noted that a significant portion of the country's population is young. He highlighted the immense employment opportunities generated by the burgeoning ICT sector for these youth, stating that Bangladesh currently holds a prominent position in online jobs and freelancing. He further elaborated on various government and private initiatives aimed at enhancing youth skills and creating employment avenues.

US Deputy Secretary of Labor Keith E. Sonderling acknowledged and praised the progress made in Bangladesh's labor sector. He expressed the United States' interest in providing necessary technical assistance to support these advancements.

Also present at the meeting were Secretary of the Ministry of Labor and Employment AHM Shafiquzzaman, Chairman of BEPZA Major General Abul Kalam Mohammad Ziaur Rahman, and Permanent Representative of the Bangladesh Mission to Geneva Tareq Md. Ariful Islam.

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