Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus on Thursday reaffirmed the interim government’s commitment to implementing key labour reforms—aligned with International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions—before the upcoming national elections in February.He made the remarks while attending as the chief guest at a high-level dinner hosted by the Bangladesh Permanent Mission to the United Nations, which brought together diplomats, UN officials, and senior political figures from Bangladesh for a focused dialogue on labour laws, workers’ rights, and ongoing reform efforts, according to a post on the Chief Adviser’s official Facebook page.
Leaders from the country’s three major political parties participated, contributing to an open and constructive exchange on labour issues.
In his address, Prof Yunus emphasised the critical role of labour reforms in attracting large-scale foreign direct investment to Bangladesh. The discussion, moderated by Lutfey Siddiqi, Special Envoy to the Chief Adviser, also included comments from the Director-General of the ILO and senior representatives of various UN agencies. Participants highlighted the broader implications of labour reform for Bangladesh’s economic future and international standing.
Before Prof Yunus’s formal address, political leaders from the three major parties were invited to give informal remarks. Each stressed the importance of the garments industry and expressed support for ongoing labour sector reforms.
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Secretary General of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), described the garments industry as a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s economy. He noted that any future government must prioritize its growth and sustainability and acknowledged the interim government’s efforts to advance labour reforms and fulfill ILO commitments.
Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, Nayeb-e-Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami, highlighted that many in his party have direct experience in the garments industry, giving them insight into how the sector can become more globally competitive. He expressed support for the interim government’s reform agenda and a desire to build on these reforms if elected.
Humayun Kabir, Foreign Affairs Adviser to BNP's Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, echoed the BNP’s appreciation for current labour initiatives, stating that such efforts should not only continue but be expanded under any incoming administration.
A common theme among all three speakers was the urgent need for Bangladesh to secure fairer pricing for its garment exports. “It should not be the buyer who always dictates the terms,” one speaker remarked, a sentiment that drew consensus across party lines.
Dr Tasnim Jara, a senior leader of the Nationalist Citizens Party (NCP), offered a personal reflection, recalling the Rana Plaza tragedy as a defining moment in her political journey. Then a medical student, she volunteered to treat the injured. “That incident shaped my politics,” she said, highlighting the human cost of unsafe labour practices and the pressing need for reform. In closing, Prof Yunus reiterated the government’s resolve to implement meaningful and lasting reforms.