ILO ratification demands labour reforms in Bangladesh

Bangladesh's ratification of three key conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO) is seen as a major step towards improving labour rights and workplace safety, but experts say it also brings new responsibilities for the government and employers to ensure proper enforcement and legal reforms.

The government on Wednesday ratified ILO Conventions 155, 187, and 190, committing to comprehensive reforms in occupational safety, health, and protection from workplace violence and harassment.

While labour leaders and rights groups have welcomed the move as a long-overdue response to workers' demands, experts warn that without timely legal alignment and effective enforcement, the ratification could remain a symbolic gesture.

The move comes amid renewed pressure from trade unions and international partners — particularly from the EU and US — for Bangladesh to improve labour conditions in the wake of repeated industrial disasters and continued rights violations.

The newly ratified conventions now require the government to introduce policy reforms, strengthen regulation, and submit regular progress reports to the ILO. Failure to comply could draw heightened global scrutiny and impact trade negotiations.

ILO Convention 155 sets out a national framework to prevent workplace accidents by reducing hazards and defining safety responsibilities for employers and workers.

Convention 187 promotes a continuous national system to improve occupational safety and health through prevention, cooperation, and social dialogue.

Convention 190 — the first of its kind — recognises the right of every worker to a workplace free from violence and harassment, including gender-based abuse.

The move comes amid growing calls from trade unions, labour rights bodies, and Western countries, including those in Europe and the United States, for Bangladesh to improve working conditions following repeated industrial disasters and continuing concerns over workers' rights.

Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmmed, executive director of the Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies (BILS), called the ratification of the three ILO conventions "a positive step forward."

Among the three, Convention 190 is particularly notable, he said, as it sets a global standard against workplace violence and harassment.

"It is commendable that Bangladesh has taken this initiative. But ratification is only the beginning — now comes the real work of implementation," he said in response to The Daily Star.

Sultan noted that while relevant laws exist, many need to be aligned with international standards.

He stressed the need to extend protections to the informal sector, where most accidents and violations occur but often go unreported.

"Our laws often apply narrowly and are weakly enforced," he said. "We need stronger accountability and a more inclusive, tripartite enforcement mechanism, which is why we advocate for a National Labour Commission."

He warned that without meaningful follow-through, symbolic compliance could backfire.

"We now face global scrutiny. The blueprint is here — now we must build the structure to ensure dignity and safety for all workers."

The government's ratification of three ILO conventions is a welcome step, but without timely legal reform and enforcement, it risks being a symbolic gesture, said Razekuzzaman Ratan, president of the Socialist Labour Front.

"This reflects a long-standing demand of workers," Ratan said. "Conventions 155 and 190, addressing occupational safety and workplace harassment, are particularly important commitments."

However, he cautioned that ratification alone does not ensure worker protection.

"It creates a moral obligation but must be followed by concrete legal measures," he said. "We must move from commitment to implementation through enforceable regulations."

Ratan noted gaps in existing laws, such as Clause 323 of the Labour Act, which insufficiently addresses workplace harassment.

"We need robust legislation in line with Convention 190 to guarantee dignity and safety, especially in vulnerable sectors."

He emphasized that labour rights extend beyond wages.

"A safe, respectful work environment is not a luxury. It is a right."

Ratan also noted that while the current government may not pass all laws before elections, ratification binds the state.

"These conventions apply regardless of who is in power. The next government must act."

"This is a step forward," he concluded. "But progress depends on swift legal alignment and enforcement."