A landmark step toward safer, fairer workplaces
“The fact that Bangladesh has now ratified all ten of the fundamental International Labour Organisation (ILO) instruments is a tremendous example to the region and the world. In a second landmark step, it is also the first in South Asia to ratify ILO Convention 190, the historical international treaty on violence and harassment in the world of work.
This accomplishment was formally recognised as a
At the ILO headquarters in Geneva, which was addressed by Brigadier General (retd.) ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo received the instruments of ratification from Dr M. Sakhawat Hussain, adviser to the Ministries of Labour, Employment and Shipping.
Three Major Conventions Ratified
The most recent progress is Bangladesh’s ratification of three critical conventions:
Convention concerning Occupational Safety and Health (No. 155)
Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187)
Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No. 190)
With these, Bangladesh is now the second in the Asia-Pacific and the seventh country worldwide to ratify all ILO fundamental conventions.
A New Dawn under the Labour (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025
These ratifications occur in the wake of the Bangladesh Labour (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, enacted by Royal Decree, which enhances the protection of labour rights and brings domestic legislation closer to international standards. Key features include:
A complete prohibition of discrimination
Measures to eliminate violence and harassment.
Protected employees who “voluntarily removed themselves from the immediate presence of danger.”
Global labour standards with stronger mechanisms of compliance
“A Strong Signal to the World”
Citing the government’s commitment, ILO Bangladesh Country Director Max Tuñón said:
“Applying these ratifications will result in safe and healthy workplaces for millions of workers. Addressing violence and harassment will also bolster women entering the workforce. These pledges will help ensure Bangladesh’s international competitiveness as a responsible trade and investment destination, it added.
His remarks come at a time when global trade agreements and laws on human rights due diligence are increasingly demanding strong labour compliance, making Bangladesh’s groundbreaking move both an act of ethical value as well as strategic urgency.
Why These Conventions Matter
ILO Conventions 155 and 187 provide countries with guidance on establishing comprehensive, culture-based OSH protection. They promote co-operation between governments, employers, and workers to reduce risk and create safer spaces.
ILO Convention 190, which explains the statement, is the first-ever global labour standard on violence and harassment in the world of work, including gender-based violence. It applies to all workers, whether in the formal or informal economy, and regardless of contract status.
A Defining Moment for Bangladesh
Without doubt, this accomplishment is a testament to Bangladesh’s commitment to dignity, respect, and equality in the workplace. It makes the country a regional leader in labour rights. It is illustrative of a vision for the future in which transnational production chains must comply with international labour norms.
The ratification by Bangladesh of all fundamental ILO conventions is more than a legal landmark; it’s an act of political will. For workers across the country, it represents hope for safer, more equitable workplaces. For the world, it demonstrates that Bangladesh is prepared to take leadership with responsibility, fairness, and aspiration.
Cinebuzz Times will monitor the unfolding labour situation in Bangladesh and its effects on workers, industry, and global partnerships.