Bangladesh Signs OIC Labour Centre Statute

Labour and Employment Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) Dr. M Sakhawat Hussain signed the statute on behalf of the Bangladesh government during a formal ceremony, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Adviser was warmly welcomed by Dr. Ahmad Kawesa Sengendo, OIC Assistant Secretary General (ASG) for Economic Affairs, who hosted a bilateral meeting with Hussain ahead of the signing.

During the meeting, Dr. Sengendo underscored the significance of the Labour Centre Statute, stating that it will help advance labour rights, improve working conditions, and support labour welfare initiatives in member states, including Bangladesh.

In response, Dr. Hussain highlighted Bangladesh's commitment to labour rights, noting that the country is a signatory to all core conventions and protocols of the International Labour Organization (ILO). He also outlined the government's progress in enhancing worker safety, increasing minimum wages, and expanding welfare benefits for workers.

Both sides emphasized the importance of deepening cooperation in areas of trade, investment, and labour affairs.

In his remarks, Dr. Hussain—who also serves as the Adviser for the shipping sector—briefed OIC officials on Bangladesh’s growing shipbuilding industry, which is generating employment for a rising number of skilled and semi-skilled workers.

Bangladesh’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the OIC, M J H Jabed, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Labour and Employment, were present at the signing ceremony.