Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)-Bangladesh informed the International Labour Organisation (ILO) that it is comprehensively looking at the labour rights in the export processing zone (EPZ) of the country.
Shahidul Haque, foreign secretary of Bangladesh, who is now in Geneva conveyed the message to Guy Ryder, the director general of the ILO, said a press release of the Foreign Affairs Ministry on Thursday.
Haque emphasised that there is a congenial environment which promotes dialogue particularly between the workers and employers in Bangladesh.
The country has a total of eight EPZs at present.
Haque is attending the 20th session of the Committee on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families (CMW) in his capacity as an independent expert of the committee.
Haque met with Ryder at the sidelines of the CMW and they discussed several issues pertaining to the interest of Bangladesh.
During the meeting, the ILO chief assured of all possible support to Bangladesh in its efforts to ensure safety, security and rights of labour in Bangladesh.
The foreign secretary also highlighted Bangladesh’s progress after Rana Plaza incident; other possible areas of cooperation between Bangladesh and ILO; ILO Study on Bangladesh’s Employment Policy and ILO study on effects of climate change on employment, particularly in the areas of agriculture and fisheries.
On the other hand, Ryder commended the progress made in terms of education and legislation in Bangladesh in the RMG sector.
BBN/ANS/AD/10Apr14-3:00 pm (BST)