Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul participated the Global Labor Market Conference in Riyadh. Photo: PID

DHAKA, Jan 26, 2026 (BSS) - Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Adviser Professor Dr Asif Nazrul today said Bangladesh is firmly committed to developing a skilled workforce to meet future challenges and to respond to the growing global demand for skilled manpower.

He made the remarks while addressing the Global Labor Market Conference held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he highlighted the qualitative transformation of Bangladesh's labour market.

Dr Asif Nazrul said among South Asian countries, Bangladesh has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring fairness, welfare and accountability in the labour market by ratifying all 10 core conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO).

In line with this commitment, he said, the Bangladesh Labour (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 has been promulgated to facilitate trade union formation, eliminate gender-based wage discrimination and prohibit blacklisting of workers, thereby ensuring their legitimate rights.

He also expressed hope that the recently signed labour recruitment agreement between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia would play a significant role in promoting safe migration.

The third edition of the Global Labor Market Conference (GLMC), held in Riyadh this year, was attended by labour ministers from 35 countries, including the ILO top leaders.