The International Labour Organization (ILO) applauded Bangladesh for ratifying three significant ILO Conventions, including two that are considered fundamental to occupational safety and health.

Bangladesh has become the only country in South Asia to ratify all 10 fundamental International ILO conventions, with the signing of three landmark instruments—Nos. 190, 155 and 187—addressing violence and harassment, occupational safety and health (OSH), and the promotional framework for OSH.

Labour and Employment Adviser M Sakhawat Hussain signed the instruments of ratification on behalf of the government on October 22, in the presence of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka.

At the ILO headquarters in Geneva, adviser M Sakhawat Hussain on November 20  formally handed over the ratification instruments to ILO Director-General Gilbert F Houngbo.

The documents cover the Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155); the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187); and the Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No. 190).

According to an ILO statement, Bangladesh is now the second country in the Asia-Pacific region to have ratified all fundamental ILO Conventions, and the first in South Asia to ratify Convention No. 190.

These ratifications come shortly after the Bangladesh Labour (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 was issued on  November 17.

The update brings domestic labour legislation closer to global standards and strengthens a wide range of worker protections.

The new ordinance reinforces safeguards against discrimination, workplace violence, and harassment, and explicitly upholds employees’ rights to withdraw from life-threatening situations without fear of disciplinary action.

‘The ILO commends the Government of Bangladesh for advancing the decent work agenda with these crucial ratifications,’ said Max Tuñón, Country Director of the ILO Office in Bangladesh.

‘Implementing these commitments will contribute to safer and healthier working environments for millions, while addressing violence and harassment will support greater participation of women in the labour market. These steps will also enhance Bangladesh’s standing as a responsible trading partner and investment destination.’