PERMANENT MISSION OF INDIA

GENEVA

Discussions under Institutional Section

 Agenda item GB.343/INS/10

Complaint concerning non-observance by Bangladesh of the Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81), the Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention,1948 (No. 87), and the Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention, 1949 (No. 98)

National Statement

343rd Session of the Governing Body of ILO

(Delivered by: Ms. Barkha Tamrakar , First Secretary)

(Geneva, 06 November, 2021)

Madam Chair,

We thank the Office for the background document on this agenda item and take note with appreciation the sincere implementation of the roadmap in consultation with the social partners and in cooperation with the ILO.

2. We are encouraged to learn that the Government of Bangladesh has undertaken labour sector reforms, including legal and administrative reforms to improve trade union activities, occupational safety, wages, skills development and labour welfare. Bangladesh has amended the Labour Act and re-fixed minimum wages for RMG sector workers.

3. India supports steps taken by the Government of Bangladesh to usher in reforms in the labour and employment sector of Bangladesh. The Government of Bangladesh has demonstrated commitment towards ensuring the rights of labourers which is evident in the adoption of the Occupational Safety and Health Policy and the Domestic Worker’s Protection and Welfare Policy.

4. India is happy to note that Bangladesh is working to update the ‘National Action Plan to Implement the National Child Labour Elimination Policy’ with some crucial modifications, in due consultation with the tripartite constituents and civil society.

5. In view of the above transformative reforms initiated by the Bangladeshi Government, we believe that the Government of Bangladesh should be supported in the endeavour to achieve the intended results of these reforms so that it percolates to the beneficiaries.

6. We believe that the ILO and the international community should continue to support the Government of Bangladesh in its efforts to strengthen employment and labour market policies, especially in addressing the challenges that workers are facing at present.

7. Appreciating the Government of Bangladesh's strong commitment to working closely with the social partners in further promoting labour rights in the country, Government of Bangladesh may be given opportunity to resolve all the issues through supervisory mechanism of the ILO.

8. We wish the Government of Bangladesh all success in its endeavours.

Thank You, Chair.