Bangladesh must organise its labour market, implement fair wages, ensure employment and social protection and upskill unskilled workers to drive successful reforms.

These recommendations were discussed during a recent virtual meeting of the Labour Reform Commission with former Danish Prime Minister Poul Nyrup Rasmussen, said a press release issued by the Danish Embassy in Dhaka on Wednesday.

‘A well-organized, transparent, and inclusive labour or market, supported by government-facilitated social dialogue, is essential for successful reforms,’ the statement said adding in addition, an organized workforce, free from legal and bureaucratic barriers, is key to constructive social dialogue and a stable labour market.

It is essential to establish fair wages, supported by transparent negotiation systems and data as fair wages drive productivity, stability, and attract foreign investments.

Other suggestions included establishing sustainable social protection schemes that would require balancing rights with responsibilities, promoting accountability and implementing the measures gradually.

Upskilling and education, especially for unskilled workers, will drive productivity, diversified growth and employment opportunities as well as re-insertion into the job market, added the statement.

Rasmussen acknowledged that reform processes inherently take time and while the aspirations of the Bangladeshi society are high at the moment, there is immense pressure on both the reform commission and the government for swift results.

He added that to achieve long-term success, it is crucial to balance this ambition with clear communication about gradual, phased implementation.

Effectively managing public expectations is key and by setting realistic, achievable goals and adopting a step-by-step approach, reforms can be made comprehensive, impactful, and ultimately sustainable, he noted.

Denmark´s sector cooperation on decent work has been actively taking part in the labour reform commission´s consultative sessions, according to the statement.

Denmark is supporting the advancement of decent work in Bangladesh through various initiatives aimed at improving labour rights, working conditions, and social dialogue, it said adding these efforts align with Denmark’s commitment to promoting sustainable development and fair labour practices globally.