A delegation of the International Labour Organization (ILO) met with Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister Professor Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain at his office in the ministry today. Photo: PID

DHAKA, April 19, 2026 (BSS) - A delegation of the International Labour Organization (ILO), led by Country Director Tuomo Poutiainen today paid a courtesy call on Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister Professor Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain at his office in the ministry.

During the meeting, the two sides held detailed discussions on strengthening Bangladesh's social protection system, promoting women workers' rights and empowerment, eliminating child labour, enhancing skills development, and aligning social security programmes with international standards.

Dr Zahid said the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is implementing wide-ranging programmes aimed at improving the lives of poor and vulnerable groups, particularly women and children at the grassroots level.

He expressed hope that collaboration with the ILO would help make social protection initiatives more effective and inclusive. 

The minister also sought the ILO's technical assistance in caregiver training, language education, and skills development programmes to support women and children and safeguard their rights.

He expressed interest in deepening cooperation with the ILO to address unemployment and boost women's participation in the workforce.

ILO Country Director Tuomo Poutiainen thanked the minister and reaffirmed the ILO's continued support in promoting women's labour force participation through initiatives such as the 'Gender and Skills Taskforce' and the 'Gender and Skills Action Plan', which aim to remove structural barriers and create pathways for inclusive skills training and employment.

He also highlighted ILO's technical assistance to the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs in developing the 'National Childcare Roadmap' and 'National Minimum Standards for Childcare', describing them as key steps towards building a universal, affordable and quality childcare system through a whole-of-government approach.

He added that Bangladesh's efforts in social protection and women and child development are commendable and reiterated the ILO's readiness to work closely with the government to advance labour rights, gender equality and sustainable employment.