BD considers labour rights from US, EU, ILO with due importance: PM’s Adviser

Diplomatic Correspondent: Prime Minister’s Adviser for Private Industry and Investment Salman F. Rahman has said Bangladesh considers the recommendations of the United States of America, European Union and the International Labor Organization (ILO) on labor rights with due importance. Speaking at the virtual meeting of the US-Bangladesh labor working group on Thursday, Rahman detailed the steps taken by the current government in the labor sector.
The Prime Minister’s Adviser for Private Industry and Investment and US Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez led the Bangladesh and US delegations respectively at the inaugural meeting of the working group. US team leader Fernandez praised the steps taken to develop the labour sector in Bangladesh and called for the full implementation of the recommendations of the International Labor Organization, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday.
He pledged to provide necessary cooperation and work together for the further development of the labour sector of Bangladesh.
Bangladesh and the US discussed “collaboration and assistance” to Bangladesh as it takes further steps to implement the requirements developed by Bangladesh for its International Labor Organization roadmap and adhere to internationally recognized labor rights.
The objective of the meeting was to support Bangladeshi implementation of commitments to improve labour rights protections and to further economic cooperation between the US and Bangladesh, according to the office of the Spokesperson, US Department of State.
Secretary to the Ministry of Labour and Employment Md. Ehsan-E-Elahi, Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States Muhammad Imran, BIDA Executive Chairman Lokman Hossain Miah, Executive Chairman of BEZA Shaikh Yusuf Harun, Executive Chairman of BEPZA Major General Abul Kalam Mohammad Ziaur Rahman, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas and high-level representatives from relevant departments joined the meeting.
The Foreign Secretary Bangladesh is fully aware of what it needs to do to protect labour rights and has continued all activities including necessary reforms accordingly.
He expressed strong conviction to strengthen Bangladesh’s economic partnership with the US.
The Labour Secretary informed the meeting about the benefits of the steps taken by the present government in the labor sector over the last twelve years.
On the other hand, the US delegation presented its observations on the revision of labor laws and regulations and the registration of trade unions.
The representative of the Ministry of Commerce urged the US side to seriously consider the issue of providing duty-free facilities to Bangladeshi products in the United States.