Labor and Employment and Shipping Brig Gen (Retd.) Dr. M Sakhawat Hussain. File photo

DHAKA, June 11, 2025 (BSS) - Labor and Employment and Shipping Brig Gen (Retd.) Dr. M Sakhawat Hussain held a bilateral meeting with US Deputy Secretary of Labor Keith E. Sonderling at the sideline of International Labour Conference at the ILO Headquarters in Geneva yesterday.

Various issues including strengthening cooperation in the labor sector between the two countries, protecting workers' rights, ensuring a safe working environment and developing skills were discussed, according to an official handout.

In particular, discussions were held on taking joint initiatives to improve the working conditions of workers in the ready-made garment sector of Bangladesh and ensure fair wages.

Sakhawat detailed the labor reform program undertaken by the Bangladesh government in the meeting. 

During this time, he mentioned the early amendment of the labor law, facilitation of trade union registration, and strengthening of the labor inspection system.

He said the government is ensuring fair wages, good working conditions, and compensation at work and maternity leave for workers in all sectors.

The adviser said if large construction companies do not deposit their dividend money to the central fund as per the rules, they will not be able to participate in any government procurement. 

Bangladesh government is working relentlessly to promote a safe, sustainable, and fair working environment in all industrial sectors, including the RMG sector, ship-breaking, and construction, he said.

The Adviser also said that a large portion of the total population in Bangladesh is young. The country's ICT sector has created huge employment opportunities for these youth. 

Currently, Bangladesh is in a significant position in the field of online jobs and freelancing. Government and private organizations are taking various initiatives to develop skills of the youth and create employment, he said.

US deputy secretary of labour praised the progress made in the labor sector of Bangladesh and expressed interest in providing the necessary technical assistance on the part of the United States.

Secretary of the Ministry of Labor and Employment AHM Shafiquzzaman, Chairman of BEPZA Major General Abul Kalam Mohammad Ziaur Rahman and Permanent Representative of the Bangladesh Mission to Geneva Tareq Md. Ariful Islam were present at the time.