Photo: Collected

DHAKA, July 19, 2026 (BSS)- International Labour Organization (ILO) Director General Gilbert F. Houngbo today praised Bangladesh’s recent progress in the labour sector and the government’s initiatives to reduce child labour.

He made the remarks during a courtesy call on Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humauin Kobir at a hotel in the capital this evening.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed Bangladesh’s recent progress in the labour sector, child labour situation, labour law and institutional reforms, protection of the rights and welfare of migrant workers, and promotion of safe and regular migration.
The Foreign Affairs Adviser sought the ILO’s continued support in ensuring the rights, safety and welfare of Bangladeshi migrant workers.

He also called for continued technical assistance from the ILO to strengthen institutional capacity in the labour sector, enhance skills development and facilitate the implementation of international labour standards.

Houngbo appreciated the government’s initiatives to reduce child labour and assured that the ILO would continue its cooperation with Bangladesh in the labour sector.

At the outset of the meeting, the ILO Director-General warmly congratulated Bangladesh on its election to the presidency of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

He expressed hope that cooperation between Bangladesh and the ILO would be further strengthened during Bangladesh’s UNGA presidency.