Photo: Collected

DHAKA, June 10, 2026 (BSS) - Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque 
Choudhury held a courtesy meeting with Director-General of the International 
Labour Organization (ILO) Gilbert F. Houngbo in Geneva today.

During the meeting, the minister praised the ILO's leadership and 
contributions to promoting decent work, social justice and workers' rights. 

He reaffirmed the Bangladesh government's commitment to democracy, human 
rights and labour rights.

The minister welcomed the ILO's initiative to establish a Global Coalition 
for Social Justice and called for extended support in promoting 
entrepreneurship development and employment generation among marginalized 
communities.

At the meeting, the minister said Bangladesh has so far ratified 39 ILO 
conventions and has earned recognition as the first country in Asia to ratify 
all fundamental ILO conventions. 

He also highlighted the progress made in labour sector reforms and the 
formation of the National Tripartite Consultative Council.

The minister invited the ILO Director-General to visit Bangladesh and observe 
firsthand the ongoing labour sector reform initiatives undertaken for 
workers' welfare.

The ILO Director-General expressed interest in the progress of labour sector 
reforms in Bangladesh and appreciated the ILO's long-standing partnership 
with the country.