Labour and Employment Adviser Brig Gen (retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hussain spoke at the two-day ‘6th OIC Labour Ministers Conference’ held in Doha, Qatar on Thursday. Photo : PID

DHAKA, Oct 17, 2025 (BSS) - Labour and Employment Adviser Brig Gen (retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hussain said Bangladesh is deeply committed to the initiatives of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for the welfare of workers.

“Bangladesh signed the OIC Labour Centre Statute in April, which serves as a reflection of its dedication. We believe that cooperation with the OIC Secretariat and the Labour Centre will create new possibilities in addressing the challenges of the labour market,” he said. 

The adviser made the remarks on Thursday at the two-day ‘6th OIC Labour Ministers Conference’ held in Doha, Qatar, said a press release here today.

The conference, held under the theme 'Local Experience, Global Achievements: Success Stories in the Islamic World', was attended by ministers of labour of OIC member countries, representatives of various international organizations, experts and civil societies.

Addressing the conference, the adviser highlighted major regulatory reforms and workplace improvements underway in Bangladesh.

He said Bangladesh has so far ratified a total of 36 conventions and one protocol of the International Labor Organization (ILO). 

“Out of the 10 core conventions, eight have already been ratified and the process of ratification of the remaining three -155, 187 and 190- is underway. If these are ratified, Bangladesh will be the only country in South Asia to have ratified all 10 core conventions of the ILO,” he added. 

The adviser said that the government is introducing the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) system to resolve various disputes of workers. 

“The trade union registration process has been simplified. In addition, penalties are being increased for unfair labor practices and anti-trade union activities,” he added.

Over the past decade, he said, Bangladesh has achieved visible improvements in the working environment of industrial factories through close cooperation with the ILO, the European Union, and the United States.

 “Significant progress has been made, particularly within the ready-made garment (RMG) sector, in establishing a woman-friendly environment. In compliance with the Labour Act 2006, many factories now provide essential facilities such as paid maternity leave, day-care facilities, and breastfeeding corners,” he added.