ILO Director-General Commends Bangladesh for Labor Reforms
The Chronify
The Government of Bangladesh has received formal commendation from the International Labour Organization (ILO) for its wide-ranging labour reforms, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to strengthen workers’ rights and labour standards.
In a letter dated December 17, 2025, ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo praised the Bangladeshi government’s reform initiatives, acknowledging the “clear outline of these developments” communicated earlier by the Chief Advisor’s Special Envoy, Lutfey Siddiqi.
“I would like to commend the efforts of the Government of Bangladesh in undertaking a wide range of labour reforms,” Houngbo wrote. “In particular, I recognize the significant measures introduced in the Bangladesh Labour (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025.”
The commendation follows a detailed update sent on November 21, 2025, by Special Envoy Siddiqi, outlining actions taken to advance workers’ rights. These include reforms related to freedom of association, collective bargaining, social dialogue, and improved working conditions. Siddiqi noted that, acting on direct instructions from Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus, the reform process was accelerated to ensure a decisive break from what he described as “the foot-dragging of the past.”
Director-General Houngbo also highlighted Bangladesh’s recent ratification of additional ILO conventions on occupational safety and health, as well as violence and harassment in the workplace, describing the move as “another historical milestone.” The instruments of ratification were formally deposited in Geneva on November 20, 2025, by Labour Advisor Brigadier General (retd) Dr. M. Sakhawat Hussain.
In his concluding remarks, Siddiqi said that the combined impact of the reforms would “irreversibly take the country’s labour standards to a much higher plane,” stressing the importance of not only the outcomes but also the institutional processes established through the reform journey.
Houngbo concluded his letter by expressing appreciation for the confidence placed in the ILO, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to supporting the Government of Bangladesh, along with workers’ and employers’ organizations, through continued technical assistance as the reform process moves forward.
“I would like to commend the efforts of the Government of Bangladesh in undertaking a wide range of labour reforms,” Houngbo wrote. “In particular, I recognize the significant measures introduced in the Bangladesh Labour (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025.”
The commendation follows a detailed update sent on November 21, 2025, by Special Envoy Siddiqi, outlining actions taken to advance workers’ rights. These include reforms related to freedom of association, collective bargaining, social dialogue, and improved working conditions. Siddiqi noted that, acting on direct instructions from Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus, the reform process was accelerated to ensure a decisive break from what he described as “the foot-dragging of the past.”
Director-General Houngbo also highlighted Bangladesh’s recent ratification of additional ILO conventions on occupational safety and health, as well as violence and harassment in the workplace, describing the move as “another historical milestone.” The instruments of ratification were formally deposited in Geneva on November 20, 2025, by Labour Advisor Brigadier General (retd) Dr. M. Sakhawat Hussain.
In his concluding remarks, Siddiqi said that the combined impact of the reforms would “irreversibly take the country’s labour standards to a much higher plane,” stressing the importance of not only the outcomes but also the institutional processes established through the reform journey.
Houngbo concluded his letter by expressing appreciation for the confidence placed in the ILO, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to supporting the Government of Bangladesh, along with workers’ and employers’ organizations, through continued technical assistance as the reform process moves forward.
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