19 October 2022 – Building upon the strong foundation of 50 years of collaboration, the Government of Bangladesh and the International Labour Organization (ILO) commit to work together to respect, promote and realize, the principles concerning the fundamental rights which are the subject of ten ILO Conventions.
We recall the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, adopted in 1998 and amended in 2022, which is an expression of commitment by governments, employers’ and workers’ organizations to uphold basic human values that are vital to our social and economic lives. We affirm the obligations and commitments that are inherent in membership of the ILO, namely:
1. freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining;
2. the elimination of all forms of forced or compulsory labour;
3. the effective abolition of child labour;
4. the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation; and
5. a safe and healthy working environment.
Today as Bangladesh is recovering from the devasting and far-reaching impact of the global pandemic and as it looks ahead towards graduation from least developed country status and continued socio-economic growth with confidence; inclusive, sustainable, and resilient development based on principles of decent work and leaving no one behind are more important than ever.
At this milestone celebration, we confirm the close collaboration of the Government of Bangladesh, the ILO and its social partners, to advance the fundamental principles and rights at work agenda and through advancing the national action plan and roadmap of labour reforms.
During this ILO and Bangladesh National event on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work commemorating the 50 years of ILO and Bangladesh collaboration we commit to continue to jointly take necessary steps to reach common goals together.