New Era | The ‘Developing Decent Work in Bangladesh’ project was launched to reform the labor sector

The “Developing Decent Work in Bangladesh” project, a joint initiative of Bangladesh and the International Labor Organization, was launched on Thursday to support the implementation of the government’s labor sector reform.

The project is funded under the Team Europe Initiative for Decent Work in Bangladesh by the European Union, Denmark, the Netherlands and Sweden.

According to the press release, the project aims to support the implementation of the government’s commitments to labor sector reform with an amount of USD 24.7 million over the next four years.

These reforms support good governance, the protection of fundamental principles and rights at work, and sustainable and competitive businesses – all of which are key to Bangladesh’s smooth transition from least developed country status in 2026.

“We are committed to supporting social justice, promoting labour reforms in Bangladesh and ensuring decent work for men and women in all industries and sectors of the economy,” Minister of State in the Ministry of Labour and Employment Md Nazrul Islam Chowdhury said at the launch programme.

Labor Secretary Mahbub Hossain said the launch showed Bangladesh’s strong commitment to continue supporting reform initiatives to ensure the well-being of our workers and a decent workplace.

ILO Country Director Tuomo Poutiainen stressed the importance of effective tripartite support for a smooth transition from LDC status in 2026.

“Fundamental principles and rights at work can only be protected through transparent consultative processes with workers’ and employers’ organizations,” he said.

European Union Ambassador Charles Whiteley praised the ongoing initiatives of the Bangladesh government.

“We welcome the government’s commitment to labor market reforms and are eager to support these efforts in creating new success stories in the crucial years ahead – a story of decent work that uplifts individuals, strengthens communities and drives sustainable economic growth in Bangladesh,” he said.

Canadian High Commissioner Lilly Nicholls announced that Canada will join the Advancing Decent Work initiative as a complementary project, pending approval by the Bangladeshi government.

“Once officially launched, this reform will further intensify labor sector reforms while introducing additional support for the pilot program for the treatment of accidents at work in the RMG sector,” he said.