The government has decided to amend the labour law in line with international standards by October this year, which will help safeguard workers' rights.
"We'll amend the labour law by October to meet the requirements of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and report our compliance in November," said retired Brig Gen M. Sakhawat Hossain, also adviser for the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Shipping.
He made the remarks while addressing the Green Factory Award ceremony as the chief guest at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital on Tuesday.
During the event, a total of 30 factories from 16 different industries were honoured with Green Factory Awards by the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
The labour adviser slammed certain industry leaders for misusing their positions in trade associations, such as BGMEA and FBCCI, to serve personal interests -- often at the expense of workers' rights. "We have seen how some industrialists used their association leadership to secure positions in parliament or even ministerial roles. Their failure to uphold workers' rights has now created challenges at international labour platforms," he said.
"We must address these issues and ensure compliance with ILO standards by October followed by reporting in November," he added. Mr Hossain also urged enterprises to transition to renewable energy, highlighting the environmental hazards associated with fossil fuel dependency.
Adilur Rahman Khan, Adviser to the Ministry of Industries and the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, attended the event as the special guest. He noted that Bangladesh now hosts 248 green-certified factories, including 108 with prestigious platinum ratings. "A green factory is an investment for future generations -- crucial to creating a livable planet," he stated.
The event was chaired by A.H.M. Shafiquzzaman, Secretary to the Ministry of Labour and Employment, who reaffirmed the government's commitment to ratifying 10 ILO conventions by October.
Ardashir Kabir, President of the Bangladesh Employers' Federation, also spoke at the event. "We are committed to ensuring both workplace and environmental safety, which is reflected in Bangladesh receiving the highest number of green certifications," he said. However, he cautioned that despite this achievement, challenges remain -- such as energy shortages and global economic uncertainties.
Omar Md Imrul Mohsin, Inspector General of the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE), and Anowar Hossain, President of the Tripartite Committee, also addressed the ceremony. During the event, a total of 30 factories from 16 different industries were honoured with Green Factory Awards by the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
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