ILO chief pledges support for employment gneration in Bangladesh

International Labour Organisation (ILO) Director-General Gilbert Houngbo has assured Bangladesh of the agency’s support in creating employment, aligning with the government’s development priorities.

Houngbo made the commitment during a bilateral meeting with Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haq Chowdhury on the sidelines of the 356th ILO Governing Body session in Geneva.

The meeting, attended by Prime Minister’s Adviser Mahdi Amin and Labour Secretary Abdur Rahman Tarafdar, began with Houngbo congratulating the Bangladeshi government on assuming office through a peaceful and fair election, describing the transition as vital for the country’s populace.

During the meeting, Houngbo expressed ILO’s readiness to work with the new administration.

On the otherhand, the minister conveyed Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s greetings to ILO chief and emphasised that generating employment for the country’s large youth and female population remains a top priority.

Houngbo supported this agenda and pledged necessary assistance.

The minister also sought ILO’s cooperation in resolving Bangladesh’s ongoing Article 26 case. Houngbo praised the Bangladesh mission’s diplomatic efforts, noting strong support from member states through ILO channels and regional coordination roles.

Chowdhury requested ILO’s facilitation in promoting labour rights in line with international standards and expanding collaboration with multinational companies and global brands, particularly in social protection initiatives like affordable healthcare and accident insurance.

In response, Houngbo indicated the organisation’s readiness to support these efforts.

Apart from these, PM's Adviser Mahdi Amin highlighted the government’s commitment to democratic values, human rights, and labour rights protection, alongside skill development and employment generation.

Later, the minister welcomed Houngbo’s planned visit to Bangladesh in June.

Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to Geneva Nahida Sobhan and Joint Secretary of the Labour Ministry Abdus Samad Azad were also present in the meeting.