DHAKA, June 12, 2025 (BSS) - Bangladesh assumed responsibility as the new coordinator of the Asia-Pacific Group (ASPAG) countries of International Labour Organization (ILO) yesterday.

 It took over this responsibility from Japan for the next one year in a meeting held with the labor ministers of ASPAG countries in Geneva, Switzerland.

At the meeting, Labor and Employment  Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) Dr. M Sakhawat Hossain sought the support of all countries and said, "We are committed to building a fair and inclusive labor market."

At the beginning, thanking the ILO and ASPAG coordinator Japan, the adviseor said, "The Asia-Pacific region contributes 60 percent of the global labor market and 40 percent of the GDP."

 However, the region is facing various challenges including the informal sector, social protection deficit and climate crisis.

The meeting discussed various issues including sustainable development, workers' rights, protection of migrant workers and addressing the impacts of climate change among the countries of the Asia-Pacific Group (ASPG).

Highlighting the progress of Bangladesh, the adviser said that the Ministry of Labor and Employment, under the leadership of Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus, is working to amend the Labor Act 2006, facilitate trade union registration and improve the working environment of workers.

"In addition, skill development and employment creation for youth are our priorities," he added.

ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo, representatives of 14 countries of the Asia-Pacific Group, Secretary of the Ministry of Labor and Employment AHM Shafiquzzaman, BEPZA Chairman Major General Abul Kalam Mohammad Ziaur Rahman and Additional Inspector General of Police Gazi Jasim Uddin were present at the time.