Brig Gen (Retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hussain spoke at a celebration event held on thursday at the Foreign Service Academy, State Guest House Sugandha, organised by the Ministry of Labour and Employment and ILO Bangladesh. Photo: PID

DHAKA, Dec 5, 2025 (BSS) - Labour and Employment Ministry Adviser Brig Gen (Retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hussain has said ratifying three International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions at the same time is a historic decision to strengthen workers' rights and ensure workplace safety in the country.

To commemorate the landmark decision, a celebration event was held on December 4 at the Foreign Service Academy, State Guest House Sugandha, jointly organised by the Ministry of Labour and Employment and ILO Bangladesh, an official release said here today.

Speaking as the chief guest, the adviser said the achievement is not merely a legal milestone but a clear message to the world that the interim government is committed to upholding workers' dignity, safety and rights. 

He added that the decision comes at a strategically important time as Bangladesh prepares for graduation from LDC status, reflecting the country's pledge towards ethical and sustainable development in the global market.

Brig Gen (Retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hussain noted that among the three conventions, Convention 155 (Occupational Safety and Health) and Convention 187 (Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health) are core ILO conventions. With the ratification of Convention 190 (Violence and Harassment in the Place of Work), Bangladesh has become the only country in South Asia to ratify all 10 of the ILO's fundamental conventions.

Labour and Employment Secretary Dr Md Sanwar Jahan Bhuiyan said the activities of the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE) will be further strengthened to ensure occupational health and safety for workers.

European Union (EU) Ambassador Michael Miller praised Bangladesh's ratification of the three international conventions and its efforts to deepen its position in the global market. He said the EU highly values Bangladesh's proactive role in strengthening international trade and cooperation.

ILO Bangladesh Country Director Max Tunon, too described the ratifications as "a historic moment" for the country.