Minister seeks US cooperation to raise labour standards

FE Team | Published: April 29, 2026 22:32:50

Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury has urged the United States to continue its cooperation to help enhance Bangladesh's global image and expand its labour sector.
He made the request when US Ambassador Brent T. Christensen paid a courtesy call on him at the Secretariat in the capital on Wednesday, reports BSS.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed various issues of mutual interest, and the minister expressed gratitude to the United States for its continued support across different sectors.
He noted that there are significant opportunities for Bangladesh and the US to work jointly to improve labour standards and ensure workers' rights.
The minister also informed the envoy that the Bangladesh Labour (Amendment) Act, 2026 has been passed in parliament in line with the 11-point recommendations put forward by the United States.
Ambassador Christensen welcomed the amendment and expressed satisfaction that the proposed 11 points, along with conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO), have been incorporated into the revised law.
He emphasised the importance of effective implementation of the law, including the prompt issuance of necessary rules, particularly in the context of bilateral trade and other agreements.
In response, the minister said the required rules would be issued soon to ensure swift implementation of the law.
He also sought technical assistance from the United States to raise awareness among workers about labour rights and safe, decent working conditions.
Ambassador Christensen commended the Ministry of Labour and Employment for simplifying and modernising the trade union registration process, as well as for taking initiatives to revise workers' wages every three years.
Both sides expressed optimism that the long-standing relationship between Bangladesh and the United States would be further strengthened in the future.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Labour and Employment and the US Embassy, including Secretary of the ministry Abdur Rahman Tarafder, Joint Secretary Abdus Samad Al Azad, US Embassy Counselor Eric Gillan and Labour Attaché Leena Khan, were present at the meeting.