Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury accompanied by Prime Minister's Adviser on Labour, Employment, and Education Mahdi Amin held a meeting ILO Director-General Gilbert Houngbo on the sidelines of the 356th ILO Governing Body session. Photo: PID

DHAKA, April 1, 2026 (BSS) - The International Labour Organization (ILO) has 
pledged continued support for employment generation in Bangladesh, aligning 
with government priorities, during a bilateral meeting held in Geneva.

ILO Director-General Gilbert Houngbo gave the assurance in talks with Labour 
and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury on the sidelines of the 356th 
ILO Governing Body session, said an official handout here today. 

Prime Minister's Adviser on Labour, Employment and Education Mahdi Amin and 
Labour Secretary Md Abdur Rahman Tarafder were present.

At the meeting, the ILO chief congratulated the present government on 
assuming office through a peaceful election and expressed willingness to 
strengthen cooperation with Bangladesh.

The labour minister conveyed greetings from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and 
said employment generation, particularly for youth and women, remains a top 
government priority.

He also sought ILO support in resolving the ongoing Article 26 complaint 
against Bangladesh.

The ILO Director-General praised Bangladesh's diplomatic engagement within 
the organisation and emphasised the importance of continued labour sector 
reforms alongside international collaboration.

The minister further called for enhanced cooperation from global brands and 
multinational companies to ensure labour rights and expand social protection 
measures for workers.

He welcomed the ILO Director-General's planned visit to Bangladesh in June.

Bangladesh's Permanent Representative to Geneva Ambassador Nahida Sobhan and 
other officials were present at the meeting.