DHAKA, Jan 5, 2025 (BSS) - Tuomo Poutiainen, Country Director of the International Labour Organization (ILO), met with Anwar Hossain, Administrator of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), at the BGMEA Complex in the capital today.

BGMEA Support Committee Member ANM Saifuddin was also present at the meeting.

The discussions focused on a range of important issues related to the ready-made garment (RMG) industry of Bangladesh, including workplace safety, workers' rights, labour law reforms, and environmental sustainability, said a BGMEA press release.

During the meeting, they discussed the ongoing ILO-led initiatives, particularly the Better Work Bangladesh programme, which aims to improve working conditions and ensure occupational safety for RMG workers.

Poutiainen and Hossain emphasized the importance of continued efforts to create safer, fairer, and more sustainable workplaces in the RMG sector.

The discussions also focused on the potential for future collaboration between the ILO and BGMEA, particularly in the areas of capacity building in alignment with international standards, such as the European Union’s Due Diligence Directive, which aims to hold companies accountable for human rights and environmental impacts throughout their supply chains.

BGMEA Administrator Anwar Hossain highlighted the industry’s progress made in the areas of workplace safety, workers rights and environmental sustainability.

He expressed the sector’s commitment to continue its efforts for further progress.

The BGMEA side called on ILO to consider taking projects to promote social dialogue and harmonious industrial relations in the Bangladesh RMG sector.

They also urged ILO to collaborate in developing skills of the workforce in line with the AI and technological advancement.