The new Country Director of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Office in Bangladesh, Max Tuñón, presented his credentials to the Foreign Affairs Adviser, Md Touhid Hossain, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on October 20.

Tuñón arrives in Bangladesh at a time when the ILO’s mandate to promote decent work and social justice is high on the national agenda, said a press release.

‘The urgency of the decent work agenda in Bangladesh is clear,’ said Tuñón. ‘With two million young men and women entering the labour market each year, we must work together to ensure that economic growth is inclusive and generates jobs with dignity.’

The ILO has been supporting the Government and social partners as they consider amendments to the Bangladesh Labour Act, and in ensuring the effective implementation of laws and policies.

Moreover, the ILO works to enhance the employability of men and women, equipping them with the skills required by employers, as well as supporting an enabling environment for starting and growing businesses.

‘Our collective efforts will not only provide more decent working conditions for a greater proportion of the workforce; they will also strengthen the country’s ability to attract investment and expand international markets for exports,’ he added.

Before arriving in Bangladesh, Max Tuñón was Head of the ILO Office in Doha, where he supported a comprehensive labour reform agenda in Qatar.

He previously served as a Technical Specialist in the same office, overseeing programmes on wages, labour inspection, and occupational safety and health.

He has also worked in the ILO sub-regional offices in Bangkok and New Delhi, as well as the ILO Office in Beijing.

The ILO Office in Bangladesh is one of the Organisation’s largest country offices worldwide, with a broad portfolio aimed at advancing alignment with fundamental principles and rights at work.

The Office also supports the Government’s vision to create decent work opportunities and strengthen social protection systems, including for marginalised groups.

The ILO’s support to Bangladesh is delivered through Decent Work Country Programmes (DWCPs), jointly developed and agreed with tripartite partners—the Government, employers’ organisations, and workers’ organisations.