DHAKA, June 10, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh has highlighted significant progress in labour rights, saying workers can now freely exercise their rights to association and collective bargaining, at the 114th International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva.

"Today, workers in Bangladesh can once again exercise their fundamental rights, including freedom of association and collective bargaining," said Md Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, MP, leader of the Bangladesh Workers' Delegation to the ILC, while addressing the plenary session of the conference at the UN Tempus Hall in Geneva on Monday.

Speaking on behalf of the Bangladesh labour movement, including the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal, the country's largest trade union 
federation, Shimul Biswas reaffirmed workers' commitment to the principles of the International Labour Organization (ILO), including social justice, dignity, equality and decent work for all.

"This year is particularly significant for Bangladesh," said Biswas, who is also chief coordinator of Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal, referring to the country's democratic transition following the 2024 mass uprising and the subsequent national elections held in 2026.

"As a trade union leader, I was honoured to be elected by the people as a Member of Parliament in that election. In this capacity, I remain committed to amplifying the voices of workers both inside and outside Parliament," he added.

The workers' representative said labourers in Bangladesh can once again exercise their fundamental rights, including freedom of association and collective bargaining.

He expressed gratitude to the ILO and the international trade union movement for their continued support during Bangladesh's democratic journey.Addressing the future of work in the era of artificial intelligence (AI), Shimul Biswas said Bangladesh recognises both the transformative opportunities and potential risks associated with emerging technologies.

He noted that Bangladesh has a workforce of over 73 million people, many of whom remain vulnerable to technological disruption due to limited skills and inadequate social protection.

The MP said automation is already affecting employment in some sectors, particularly among women workers, while youth unemployment continues to rise as entry-level job opportunities shrink.

He also highlighted the challenges facing migrant workers, saying many remain vulnerable abroad due to skills shortages and insufficient protection mechanisms.

Shimul Biswas said Bangladesh deploys around 1.3 million migrant workers overseas every year and has approximately 31.6 million young people between the ages of 15 and 24.

He called for the establishment of a global framework for skills, technology and knowledge sharing to ensure that developing countries can benefit from AI-driven transformation.

The proposed framework, he said, should bridge digital and skills divides, promote fair access to AI technologies, support safe and skilled migration pathways, assist countries in formulating national AI strategies and safeguard decent work and fair remuneration.

He stressed that international cooperation is essential to address the challenges posed by rapidly evolving digital technologies.

The workers' leader urged the international community to invest in closing digital infrastructure gaps, overcoming digital literacy barriers and 
enhancing workforce readiness through AI-related training and upskilling.

Highlighting Bangladesh's growing digital economy, he said the country is home to one of the world's largest freelancing communities and remains among the leading outsourcing destinations globally.

At the same time, he cautioned that AI must never be used in ways that undermine human dignity, deepen social injustice or contribute to conflicts.

Shimul Biswas also welcomed discussions on a proposed ILO Convention on Decent Work in the Platform Economy, saying platform workers remain among the most vulnerable segments of the global workforce and require stronger protections.

Referring to recent labour reforms, he said Bangladesh has ratified three ILO conventions, including two fundamental conventions, while trade union registration procedures have been simplified.

Only 20 workers are now required to form a trade union, reflecting progress in strengthening labour rights and freedom of association, he added.

The MP reaffirmed the commitment of Bangladesh's workers and trade unions to continue engaging constructively through tripartite dialogue to build a future of work that is inclusive, fair and sustainable.

He also welcomed ILO initiatives aimed at creating employment opportunities for Palestinians affected by conflict and stressed the need for stronger international cooperation to protect migrant workers worldwide.

Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury is leading the Bangladesh's government delegation.