Newly-appointed Country Director of the  International Labour Organization (ILO) in Bangladesh Max Tuñón today met with Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain at the foreign ministry. Photo: MoFA

DHAKA, Oct 22, 2025 (BSS) - Newly-appointed Country Director of the 
International Labour Organization (ILO) in Bangladesh Max Tuñón today 
reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with the government and social 
partners to advance decent work, social justice, and sustainable investment 
opportunities in the country.

"Our collective efforts will not only provide more decent working conditions 
for a larger share of the workforce, they will also improve the country's 
ability to attract investment," Tuñón said after submitting his credentials 
to Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain at the foreign ministry here, 
said a press release. 

The new ILO Country Director stressed the urgency of ensuring inclusive 
economic growth that creates quality jobs.

"The urgency of the decent work agenda in Bangladesh is evident," said Tuñón. 
"With two million young men and women entering the labour market each year, 
we must work together to ensure that economic growth is inclusive and 
generates jobs with dignity."

The ILO has been extending technical and policy support to the Government of 
Bangladesh and its tripartite partners in reviewing and amending the 
Bangladesh Labour Act, and in strengthening the implementation of labour 
laws, occupational safety, and workers' rights.

The organisation also works to enhance the employability of men and women by 
developing job-relevant skills and promoting entrepreneurship through an 
enabling business environment, the ILO said in a statement.

Prior to his posting in Dhaka, Tuñón served as Head of the ILO Office in 
Doha, where he supported a comprehensive labour reform agenda in Qatar.
 
He earlier worked as a Technical Specialist overseeing programmes on wages, 
labour inspection, and occupational safety and health.

He has also served in various capacities at ILO offices in Bangkok, New 
Delhi, and Beijing, bringing with him extensive experience in labour policy, 
social protection, and global employment standards.

The ILO Office in Bangladesh is one of the organisation's largest worldwide, 
with a broad mandate to promote fundamental principles and rights at work. 

It also supports the government's vision of expanding decent employment 
opportunities and enhancing social protection systems, particularly for 
marginalized and vulnerable groups.

The ILO's support to Bangladesh is implemented through the Decent Work 
Country Programmes (DWCP), jointly developed and agreed upon with the 
government, employers' organisations, and workers' representatives to promote 
fair, safe, and sustainable labour practices.