ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo met with State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam at her office. Photo: MoFA

DHAKA, July 19, 2026 (BSS) – State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam today said Bangladesh is embarking on a new journey to improve the country's work environment through comprehensive labour-sector reforms aimed at advancing decent work, social justice and workers' rights.

“Bangladesh is embarking on a new journey to improve work ambience,” she said during a meeting with International Labour Organization (ILO) Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo at her office here this afternoon, said a foreign ministry’s press release.    

Houngbo met the state minister as part of his two-day visit to Bangladesh.

During the meeting, Shama highlighted the government's commitment to advancing decent work, social justice and labour rights through comprehensive reforms in the labour sector.

She reaffirmed the government's commitment to fulfilling pledges made in its election manifesto to advance democracy, human rights and workers' rights.

The state minister also sought the ILO's continued cooperation and constructive engagement in strengthening labour governance, protecting migrant workers and facilitating safe, regular and skilled labour mobility from Bangladesh.

Shama expressed hope that Bangladesh's significant progress in labour-sector reforms would be duly recognised at the upcoming session of the ILO Governing Body and help pave the way for the earliest possible closure of the ongoing case against Bangladesh under Article 26 of the ILO Constitution.

The ILO director-general expressed deep appreciation for the Bangladesh government's efforts and political commitment towards ensuring a better world of work.

He reaffirmed the ILO's continued support for Bangladesh's priorities and efforts to advance labour-sector reforms, decent work and social justice.

“Success of Bangladesh in improving the labour situation in the country can be an example for ILO’s engagement with other countries,” Houngbo said.

Both sides expressed their commitment to further strengthening the partnership between Bangladesh and the ILO.