University of Dhaka

Department of Management
Executive MBA program

Course Title: Legal Environment of Business

Code: EM 515

Topic: ILO and Bangladesh

Submitted to:

Tanuza Nath, Assistant Professor

Submitted by:

Name ID
Md. Abdus Sabur Sardar 3-22-01-069

Date of Submission: May 07, 2023

Date: 07 May, 2023

Ms. Tanuza Nath,

Assistant Professor
Department of Management
University of Dhaka

Subject: Letter of Transmittal

Dear Madam,

I am pleased to submit to you this report on the International Labor Organization (ILO) and its
engagement with Bangladesh. The report provides an overview of the relationship between ILO
and Bangladesh and the various initiatives and programs implemented by ILO in Bangladesh.

As you may know, the ILO is a specialized agency of the United Nations that deals with labor
issues, including promoting decent work, social justice, and labor rights. Bangladesh has been a
member state of the ILO since 1972, and the ILO has been actively engaged in the country
through its technical cooperation programs.

The report highlights the various initiatives and programs implemented by ILO in Bangladesh to
promote decent work and fair labor practices, including those related to occupational safety and
health, child labor, forced labor, and human trafficking. The report also provides an overview of
the major associations related to ILO in Bangladesh, including the Bangladesh Employers'
Federation (BEF), Bangladesh Free Trade Union Congress (BFTUC), Bangladesh Garment
Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), and Bangladesh Employers' Association
(BEA).

Overall, the report underscores the importance of the ILO's engagement in Bangladesh in
promoting decent work and fair labor practices, as well as the need for continued cooperation
between ILO, the government of Bangladesh, employers, and workers' organizations to address
the labor-related challenges facing the country.

I hope that you find this report informative and useful. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you
have any questions or require further information.

Sincerely,

Group Member
 Executive summary
We are the students of EMBA in the Management department from the University of Dhaka;
under a kind supervisor, Ma'am Ms. Tanuza Nath started to work on significant and interesting
topics International Labor Organization (ILO) & Bangladesh. The International Labor
Organization (ILO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that was established in 1919.
Its primary goal is to promote social justice and decent working conditions throughout the world.
The ILO sets labor standards, promotes rights at work, encourages decent employment
opportunities, enhances social protections, and strengthens dialogue on work-related issues
between employers, workers, and governments. The ILO operates through a tripartite structure,
where governments, employers, and workers' organizations are equally represented. The
organization has 187 member states and works to improve the lives of workers globally. Its key
areas of focus include promoting the elimination of child labor, ensuring social protection for all,
promoting equal opportunities and treatment in the workplace, and advancing safe and healthy
working conditions. Though it is not possible to maintain the highest standard through its
enactment and practical implementation of labor law due to many social and economic
restrictions the continuing process somehow demands a lot of gratitude from the international
community.
Table of contents…………………………………….
1. Introduction --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------01
2. Brief on Bangladesh Labor low----------------------------------------------------------------02
3. Regulation of Bangladesh Labor low----------------------------------------------------------02
4. Industry wise different employee associations in Bangladesh------------------------------04
5. ILO (International Labor Organization)-------------------------------------------------------05
6. Who are the members of ILO?------------------------------------------------------------------05
7. Basic regulations of ILO -----------------------------------------------------------------------06
8. ILO regulations during covid19-------------------------------------------------------------- 07
9. ILO in Bangladesh----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 07
10. ILO working with different associations in Bangladesh----------------------------------- 08
11. Functions of ILO in Bangladesh---------------------------------------------------------------09
12. Working process of ILO in Bangladesh------------------------------------------------------11
13. Agreement between ILO and Bangladesh----------------------------------------------------12
14. Conclusion
15. References
Introduction
The International Labor Organization (ILO) and Bangladesh have a longstanding relationship,
with the ILO working closely with the government, employers, and workers' organizations to
improve working conditions and promote decent work in the country. Bangladesh has been a
member of the ILO since 1972 and has ratified a number of ILO conventions, including those
related to child labor, forced labor, and freedom of association. The ILO has provided technical
assistance and capacity-building support to Bangladesh in a number of areas, including
occupational safety and health, social protection, and the promotion of gender equality in the
workplace. One of the major challenges facing workers in Bangladesh is low wages, with many
workers in the informal sector earning less than the minimum wage. The ILO has been working
with the government and employers' organizations to improve wage policies and increase the
minimum wage to a living wage.

Another challenge facing workers in Bangladesh is poor working conditions, particularly in the
garment industry, which is a major source of employment in the country. The ILO has been
working with the government, employers, and workers' organizations to improve working
conditions and promote occupational safety and health in the industry. The ILO has also been
working with Bangladesh to promote social protection programs for workers, including the
establishment of a social protection floor and the extension of social security coverage to
informal sector workers. Overall, the ILO and Bangladesh have a strong partnership aimed at
promoting decent work and social justice in the country. While there are still challenges to be
addressed, the efforts being made by the ILO and its partners are helping to improve working
conditions and promote greater respect for workers' rights in Bangladesh.

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 Brief on Bangladesh Labor law
The key labor laws in Bangladesh include the Bangladesh Labor Act 2006, which provides
comprehensive provisions for regulating employment practices and working conditions in the
country. Some of the key provisions of this law include regulations on working hours, wages,
benefits, overtime, and leave entitlements.

The law also includes provisions for the formation and registration of trade unions, as well as
regulations for collective bargaining, strikes, and lockouts. Additionally, it contains provisions
for ensuring workplace safety and health, including measures to prevent accidents, occupational
diseases, and other hazards.

Another important labor law in Bangladesh is the Labor Rules 2015, which provides additional
regulations and guidelines for the implementation of the Bangladesh Labor Act. The rules cover
a wide range of topics, including the registration and recognition of trade unions, working hours
and overtime, maternity leave, and disciplinary action against workers.

Other labor laws in Bangladesh include the Employment of Children Act 1938, which prohibits
the employment of children under the age of 14 in hazardous industries, and the Prevention of
Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act 2010, which aims to prevent and address
workplace sexual harassment.

Despite the existence of these labor laws, there are still concerns about their enforcement and
implementation, particularly in the informal sector of the economy. However, efforts are being
made to strengthen labor inspection and enforcement mechanisms to ensure that workers are
protected and their rights are respected.

Regulation of Bangladesh Labor low

The regulation of labor laws in Bangladesh is primarily the responsibility of the Ministry of
Labor and Employment, which is responsible for the formulation and implementation of labor
policies and programs in the country. The ministry also oversees the labor inspection system,
which is responsible for ensuring compliance with labor laws and regulations. In addition to the
Ministry of Labor and Employment, several other government agencies and bodies are involved
in regulating labor practices in Bangladesh. These include the Department of Inspection for
Factories and Establishments (DIFE), which is responsible for inspecting factories and
establishments to ensure compliance with labor laws and safety regulations.

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The Bangladesh Labor Welfare Foundation is another government body that is responsible for
promoting the welfare of workers, including providing financial assistance to workers who have
been injured or disabled as a result of work-related accidents.

Trade unions also play a crucial role in regulating labor practices in Bangladesh. The Bangladesh
Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) is the main trade association for
the garment industry in the country, and it works closely with the government and other
stakeholders to promote labor rights and improve working conditions in the industry.

The International Labor Organization (ILO) also plays an important role in regulating labor
practices in Bangladesh. The ILO has been working with the government and other stakeholders
to promote decent working conditions and eliminate child labor in the country. It also provides
technical assistance and capacity building to various stakeholders to improve labor standards and
practices in the country.

Despite these efforts, there are still concerns about the implementation and enforcement of labor
laws in Bangladesh, particularly in the informal sector. However, efforts are being made to
strengthen labor inspection and enforcement mechanisms to ensure that workers are protected
and their rights are respected.

The main labor laws in Bangladesh are:

A. The Bangladesh Labor Act, 2006: This law governs the employment of workers in
factories and establishments in Bangladesh. It covers issues such as working hours, leave
entitlements, wages, safety, and health.
B. The Bangladesh Labor Rules, 2015: These rules were introduced to clarify some of the
provisions in the Labor Act, 2006.
C. The Bangladesh Labor Welfare Foundation Act, 2006: This law established a welfare
fund for workers in Bangladesh.
D. The Bangladesh Labor Welfare Foundation Rules, 2008: These rules outline the
procedures for managing and disbursing the welfare fund.
E. The Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority Act, 1980: This law regulates
employment in the Export Processing Zones in Bangladesh.

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 Industry wise different employee associations in
Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, there are several different employee associations that represent workers across
different industries. Here are some of the key employee associations in Bangladesh by industry:

i. Garment Industry: The Bangladesh Garment Workers' Trade Union Centre

(BGWTUC) is one of the largest trade unions in the country, representing workers in the
garment industry. Other trade unions in this industry include the Bangladesh Garment
Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and the Bangladesh Knitwear
Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA).
ii. Textile Industry: The Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) is the main trade
association representing textile manufacturers in the country. The Bangladesh Textile
Workers' Federation (BTWF) is a trade union that represents workers in the textile
industry.
iii. Banking and Finance Industry: The Bangladesh Association of Banks (BAB) is the
main trade association representing banks and financial institutions in the country. The
Bangladesh Bank Employees' Union (BBEU) is a trade union that represents workers in
the central bank.
iv. Agriculture Industry: The Bangladesh Krishak Federation is a trade union that
represents farmers and agricultural workers in the country.
v. Transport Industry: The Bangladesh Road Transport Workers' Federation (BRTWF) is
a trade union that represents workers in the transport industry.
vi. Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI): This is one of the oldest and
largest chambers of commerce in Bangladesh, representing businesses and employers in
various sectors. The DCCI aims to promote the development of trade and industry in the
country and to provide support to businesses and entrepreneurs.

These are just some of the major employers' associations in Bangladesh, and there are many
others representing specific industries or sectors. These associations play an important role in
representing the interests of employers, promoting economic growth, and supporting the
development of the private sector in the country.

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 ILO (International Labor Organization)
The International Labor Organization (ILO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that
was established in 1919. Its mission is to promote social justice and promote decent working
conditions around the world.

The ILO sets international labor standards through conventions and recommendations, which
cover a wide range of issues including employment, social security, working conditions, child
labor, forced labor, and occupational safety and health. These standards provide a framework for
national labor laws and policies, and are based on the principles of social dialogue, tripartism,
and the protection of workers' rights.

In addition to setting labor standards, the ILO provides technical assistance and advisory services
to its member states, helping to improve labor policies and practices and to build the capacity of
national institutions responsible for implementing labor laws and standards. It also conducts
research and analysis on labor-related issues, and engages in advocacy and awareness-raising
activities to promote the importance of decent work and social justice.

The ILO has 187 member states, including Bangladesh, and is governed by a tripartite structure
that brings together representatives of governments, employers, and workers. This structure
reflects the organization's commitment to social dialogue and to working in partnership with all
stakeholders to promote decent work and social justice.

Who are the members of ILO?

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has a tripartite structure, which means it brings
together representatives of governments, employers, and workers to promote social justice and
decent working conditions. The members of the ILO include:

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 Governments: The ILO has 187
member states, representing
governments from around the world.

Employers: The ILO has a network of

employer organizations, including
national and international employers'
associations, as well as individual
companies.

Workers: The ILO has a network of

workers' organizations, including
national and international trade
unions, as well as individual workers.

Each of these groups has equal representation in the ILO's governing bodies, including the
International Labour Conference, the Governing Body, and the various committees and
commissions that support the work of the organization.

In addition to its formal members, the ILO also collaborates with a range of partners, including
non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, and other international organizations, to
promote its mandate of promoting social justice and decent working conditions for all.

Basic regulations of ILO

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has developed a set of fundamental principles and
rights at work, which form the basis for its work and international labor standards. These
fundamental principles and rights are:

❖ Freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining:
This principle ensures that workers have the right to form and join trade unions, and to
engage in collective bargaining with employers to negotiate their terms and conditions of
work.

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 ❖ Elimination of forced or compulsory labor: This principle prohibits all forms of forced or
compulsory labor, including bonded labor, slavery, and human trafficking.

❖ Abolition of child labor: This principle prohibits all forms of child labor, and promotes
the elimination of child labor through education and other measures.

❖ Elimination of discrimination in employment and occupation: This principle promotes

equality of opportunity and treatment for all workers, regardless of their race, gender,
religion, or other characteristics.

These principles and rights are embodied in international labor standards, including conventions
and recommendations adopted by the ILO. The ILO encourages its member states to ratify and
implement these standards in national laws and policies, and provides technical assistance and
advisory services to support their implementation.

In addition to these fundamental principles and rights, the ILO also promotes decent working
conditions and social protection, occupational safety and health, and the promotion of
employment and decent work for all.

ILO regulations during covid19

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has developed several regulations and guidelines
during the COVID-19 pandemic to protect workers' rights and ensure safe and healthy working
conditions. Some of these regulations are:

I. Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Guidelines: The ILO has developed OSH
guidelines to help workplaces prevent the transmission of COVID-19. These guidelines
provide recommendations for physical distancing, hygiene measures, use of personal
protective equipment, and ventilation systems.

II. Protection of workers in the informal economy: The ILO has urged governments to take
measures to protect workers in the informal economy who are particularly vulnerable
during the pandemic. These measures include income support, access to health care, and
social protection.

III. Supporting enterprises and jobs: The ILO has recommended measures to support
enterprises and jobs during the pandemic. These measures include wage subsidies,
support for small and medium-sized enterprises, and job retention schemes.

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IV. Protection of migrant workers: The ILO has called for the protection of migrant workers
during the pandemic, including access to health care and social protection, as well as safe
working conditions.

V. Mitigating the impact on youth employment: The ILO has recommended measures to
mitigate the impact of the pandemic on youth employment, including support for training
and skills development, and the creation of decent work opportunities.

Overall, the ILO has emphasized the importance of protecting workers' rights and ensuring safe
and healthy working conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

ILO in Bangladesh
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that
was founded in 1919. It has a tripartite structure consisting of representatives from governments,
employers, and workers from its member states. As of April 2023, the ILO has 187 member
states,

Bangladesh is a member of the International Labor Organization (ILO) and has been a member
since 22 June 1972. As a member of the ILO, Bangladesh is committed to promoting social
justice and promoting decent working conditions in the country.

The tripartite structure of the ILO brings together representatives of governments, employers,
and workers from each member state. In Bangladesh, the government is represented by the
Ministry of Labor and Employment, employers are represented by the Bangladesh Employers
Federation (BEF) and other sector-specific employer associations, and workers are represented
by various trade unions and workers' organizations.

The ILO has been working closely with the government, employers, and workers in Bangladesh
to promote decent work and social justice. Some of the areas of focus for the ILO in Bangladesh
include improving working conditions and safety in the garment industry, promoting gender
equality and combating child labor, and supporting the implementation of labor laws and
standards.

The ILO has also provided technical assistance and capacity building to various stakeholders in
Bangladesh to improve labor standards and practices in the country. The ILO has been actively
involved in the efforts to improve labor rights and working conditions in Bangladesh,
particularly in the garment industry, which is one of the country’s largest export sectors.

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 ILO working with different associations in
Bangladesh
The International Labour Organization (ILO) works with a range of associations in Bangladesh
to promote social justice and decent working conditions. These associations include:

1.The ILO works with employers' associations in Bangladesh to

Employers' promote compliance with international labor standards and
associations to support the development of policies and programs that
promote decent work and social protection.

• The ILO works with trade unions in Bangladesh to promote

Trade freedom of association and collective bargaining, as well as
unions to support the development of policies and programs that
improve working conditions and promote social protection.

•The ILO works with civil society organizations in Bangladesh to

Civil society promote awareness of labor rights and to support the
organizations implementation of policies and programs that promote social justice
and decent working conditions.

Government •The ILO works with government agencies in Bangladesh to promote

agencies compliance with international labor standards and to support the
development of policies and programs that promote decent work
and social protection.

The ILO also works with other partners in Bangladesh, including employers and workers in
specific sectors, such as the garment industry, as well as with academic institutions and other
international organizations. Through its partnerships with these associations and organizations,
the ILO promotes social justice and decent working conditions for all workers in Bangladesh.

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 Functions of ILO in Bangladesh
The International Labor Organization (ILO) has been working in Bangladesh since the country
became a member in 1972. The ILO's primary function in Bangladesh is to promote social
justice and decent working conditions for all, and to support the government, employers, and
workers in achieving these goals.

Some of the specific functions of the ILO in Bangladesh include:

➢ Setting labor standards: The ILO sets international labor standards through conventions
and recommendations that cover a wide range of issues, including employment, social
security, working conditions, child labor, forced labor, and occupational safety and
health. These standards provide a framework for national labor laws and policies in
Bangladesh.

➢ Technical assistance and advisory services: The ILO provides technical assistance and
advisory services to the government, employers, and workers in Bangladesh to improve
labor policies and practices and to build the capacity of national institutions responsible
for implementing labor laws and standards. This includes support for the development of
policies and programs to address child labor, forced labor, and occupational safety and
health.

➢ Capacity building: The ILO works to build the capacity of employers' and workers'
organizations in Bangladesh to engage in social dialogue and to negotiate and implement
collective agreements. The ILO also provides training and capacity building to
government officials, labor inspectors, and other stakeholders involved in the
implementation of labor laws and standards.

➢ Advocacy and awareness-raising: The ILO engages in advocacy and awareness-raising

activities to promote the importance of decent work and social justice in Bangladesh.
This includes public awareness campaigns on issues such as child labor, forced labor, and
gender equality, as well as advocacy for the ratification and implementation of
international labor standards.

➢ Research and analysis: The ILO conducts research and analysis on labor-related issues in
Bangladesh, including labor market trends, working conditions, and the impact of labor
laws and policies. This research provides valuable information to inform policy and
program development and to support evidence-based decision making.

➢ Promoting social dialogue and tripartism: The ILO promotes social dialogue and
tripartism in Bangladesh, bringing together representatives of the government, employers,
and workers to discuss and address labor-related issues. The ILO supports the

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 establishment of effective labor-management systems and helps to build the capacity of
employers' and workers' organizations to participate in social dialogue.

➢ Addressing child labor and promoting gender equality: The ILO works with the
government, employers, and workers in Bangladesh to address child labor and promote
gender equality in the workplace. This includes supporting the development of policies
and programs to eliminate child labor, providing training and capacity building to prevent
gender-based discrimination and harassment, and promoting the participation of women
in decision-making processes related to labor issues.

➢ Improving working conditions in the garment industry: The ILO has been working with
the government, employers, and workers in Bangladesh to improve working conditions
and safety in the garment industry, which is one of the country's largest export sectors.
This includes supporting the implementation of the Bangladesh Accord on Fire and
Building Safety, which aims to improve factory safety standards in the garment industry,
and promoting the adoption of international labor standards related to working conditions
and occupational safety and health.

Overall, the functions of the ILO in Bangladesh are focused on promoting social justice and
decent working conditions, and supporting the government, employers, and workers in achieving
these goals.

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 Working process of ILO in Bangladesh
The International Labour Organization (ILO) has a well-established working process in
Bangladesh that involves close collaboration with the government, employers, workers, and civil
society organizations. Here is an overview of the working process of the ILO in Bangladesh:

Monitoring
Needs
and
assessment
evaluation

Advocacy
and Policy
awareness- development
raising

Technical
assistance

✓ Needs assessment: The ILO conducts regular assessments of the labor market and social
conditions in Bangladesh to identify the key challenges and opportunities for promoting
decent work and sustainable economic growth in the country.

✓ Policy development: Based on the findings of the needs assessment, the ILO works with
the government, employers, workers, and civil society organizations to develop policies
and programs that promote social justice and decent working conditions in Bangladesh.
This process involves extensive consultations and negotiations to ensure that the policies
and programs are inclusive and address the needs of all stakeholders.

✓ Technical assistance: The ILO provides technical assistance to the government,

employers, and workers in Bangladesh to support the implementation of policies and
programs aimed at promoting decent work and sustainable economic growth. This may
involve providing training and capacity building, supporting the development of
institutions and systems, and providing advisory services.

✓ Advocacy and awareness-raising: The ILO engages in advocacy and awareness-raising

activities to promote its mandate and raise awareness of the importance of social justice
and decent working conditions in Bangladesh. This may involve organizing workshops,

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 seminars, and public events, as well as conducting media outreach and other
communication activities.

✓ Monitoring and evaluation: The ILO monitors and evaluates the impact of its policies and
programs in Bangladesh to ensure that they are achieving their intended outcomes and
making a positive difference in the lives of workers and their families.

Overall, the working process of the ILO in Bangladesh is characterized by close collaboration
and partnership with stakeholders at all levels, and a strong focus on promoting social justice and
decent working conditions for all.

Agreement between ILO and Bangladesh

The International Labour Organization (ILO) and Bangladesh have signed several agreements
and memoranda of understanding (MOUs) over the years to promote decent work and social
justice in the country. Some of the key agreements between the ILO and Bangladesh include:

Bangladesh Decent Work Country Program:

The ILO and the government of Bangladesh signed the Bangladesh Decent Work Country
Program in 2012, which outlines a framework for cooperation between the two parties to
promote decent work and social justice in the country. The program focuses on several priority
areas, including improving working conditions and safety in the garment industry, promoting
gender equality and combating child labor, and supporting the implementation of labor laws and
standards.

The ILO's Decent Work Country Program in Bangladesh aims to promote decent work for all,
particularly for women and vulnerable groups.

The program focuses on priority areas:

❖ Promoting social dialogue and tripartism,

❖ Improving working conditions and occupational safety and health,
❖ Promoting gender equality and eliminating child labor, and
❖ Promoting skills development and employment creation.

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The ILO has been working closely with the Government of Bangladesh, workers' and employers'
organizations, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to implement the Decent Work
Country Program. Some of the achievements of the program include:

• Promoting social dialogue: The ILO has supported the establishment of National
Tripartite Committees on labor standards, occupational safety and health, and skills
development. These committees bring together representatives of the government,
workers, and employers to discuss issues related to decent work.
• Improving working conditions: The ILO has provided technical assistance to improve
working conditions in the ready-made garment industry, which is a major employer in
Bangladesh. This has included developing training materials on fire safety and
occupational safety and health, and supporting the establishment of a factory inspection
system.
• Promoting gender equality and eliminating child labor: The ILO has supported the
development of national policies and action plans to promote gender equality and
eliminate child labor. It has also provided technical assistance to strengthen the capacity
of government agencies and civil society organizations to address these issues.
• Promoting skills development and employment creation: The ILO has supported the
development of national policies and strategies for skills development and employment
creation. It has also provided technical assistance to improve vocational training
programs and promote entrepreneurship.

Bangladesh Accord on Fire and Building Safety:

The ILO was one of the signatories to the Bangladesh Accord on Fire and Building Safety,
which was signed in the aftermath of the Rana Plaza disaster in 2013. The Accord aims to
improve factory safety standards in the garment industry in Bangladesh and includes provisions
for independent safety inspections, worker empowerment, and remediation of safety hazards.

The Bangladesh Accord on Fire and Building Safety is an agreement between global trade
unions, international brands, and retailers, and the International Labour Organization (ILO),
which aims to improve working conditions in the ready-made garment industry in Bangladesh.

The Accord was developed in response to the Rana Plaza disaster in 2013, which resulted in the
death of more than 1,100 workers in a garment factory in Bangladesh. The Accord is legally
binding and requires signatory companies to take a number of measures to improve workplace
safety, including:

• Conducting independent safety inspections of factories and making the results publicly
available.
• Providing financial support to factories to make necessary safety improvements.

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 • Establishing a complaints mechanism for workers to report safety concerns without fear
of retaliation.
• Supporting the establishment of worker-led health and safety committees in factories.

The ILO has played an important role in the implementation of the Accord. It has provided
technical assistance to help signatory companies improve working conditions in their supply
chains and has supported the establishment of an independent secretariat to oversee the
implementation of the Accord.

Since the Accord was signed in 2013, significant progress has been made in improving
workplace safety in the ready-made garment industry in Bangladesh. Thousands of factories
have been inspected, and many have made necessary safety improvements with the support of
signatory companies. However, challenges remain, particularly in ensuring that all factories are
inspected and that workers have access to effective mechanisms for reporting safety concerns.

Improving working conditions in the informal sector:

The ILO and the government of Bangladesh signed an MOU in 2020 to improve working
conditions in the informal sector, which employs a large percentage of the country's workforce.
The MOU focuses on promoting decent work and social protection for informal workers,
including those in the agriculture and domestic work sectors.

The informal sector is a significant source of employment in Bangladesh, with around 87% of
the country's workforce engaged in informal activities. However, workers in the informal sector
often face poor working conditions, low wages, and limited social protection.

The International Labor Organization (ILO) has been working to improve working conditions in
the informal sector in Bangladesh through a number of initiatives. Some of these initiatives are:

➢ Promoting formalization: The ILO has been working to promote the formalization of
informal enterprises and workers. This includes providing technical assistance to help
informal enterprises register with the government, access finance, and comply with labor
laws and regulations.

➢ Strengthening social protection: The ILO has been working to improve access to social
protection for workers in the informal sector. This includes supporting the development
of social protection policies and programs that are inclusive of informal workers, such as
micro-insurance schemes and social security systems.

➢ Providing training and skills development: The ILO has been providing training and
skills development opportunities to informal workers to help them improve their
productivity and competitiveness. This includes training on basic business management,
financial literacy, and occupational safety and health.

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 ➢ Supporting collective bargaining: The ILO has been supporting the development of
collective bargaining mechanisms in the informal sector to help workers negotiate better
wages and working conditions. This includes working with trade unions and workers'
organizations to promote collective bargaining and to support the establishment of
worker-led organizations.

Overall, the ILO's initiatives to improve working conditions in the informal sector in Bangladesh
are aimed at promoting decent work and social justice. However, there are still significant
challenges in improving working conditions for informal workers, including limited access to
social protection, inadequate enforcement of labor laws and regulations, and limited
opportunities for skills development and training.

Elimination of child labor:

The ILO and the government of Bangladesh have been working together to eliminate child labor
in the country. In 2019, the ILO and the government signed an MOU to strengthen the country's
legal and policy framework for eliminating child labor, and to provide support for the
development of programs and initiatives to prevent and eliminate child labor in Bangladesh.

These agreements and MOUs demonstrate the commitment of the ILO and the government of
Bangladesh to working together to promote decent work and social justice in the country.

The International Labor Organization (ILO) has been working to eliminate child labor in
Bangladesh through a number of initiatives aimed at protecting children from exploitation,
promoting access to education, and strengthening legal and policy frameworks to prevent child
labor.

Some of the initiatives undertaken by the ILO in Bangladesh to eliminate child labor include:

➢ Supporting education: The ILO has been working to improve access to education for
children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. This includes providing
technical assistance to the government to develop policies and programs that promote
access to education, and supporting the development of alternative education programs
for children who are unable to attend school.

➢ Combating child labor in specific sectors: The ILO has been working to eliminate child
labor in specific sectors, such as the ready-made garment industry and the informal
sector. This includes providing technical assistance to improve working conditions and
increase productivity, which can help reduce the demand for child labor.

➢ Strengthening legal and policy frameworks: The ILO has been working with the
government to strengthen legal and policy frameworks to prevent child labor. This

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 includes supporting the development of national action plans to eliminate child labor, and
providing technical assistance to strengthen the capacity of government agencies to
enforce labor laws and regulations.

➢ Promoting social dialogue: The ILO has been promoting social dialogue between
workers, employers, and the government to address the root causes of child labor. This
includes supporting the establishment of national tripartite committees on child labor and
promoting dialogue between stakeholders to develop strategies to eliminate child labor.

Despite progress made in recent years, child labor remains a significant challenge in Bangladesh,
particularly in the informal sector and in agriculture. The ILO continues to work with the
government, employers, workers, and civil society organizations to eliminate child labor and
promote decent work for all.

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1