Ratifying key International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions will help Bangladesh better negotiate the GSP+ scheme and a potential Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union (EU), as it demonstrates progress in human rights and good governance, said EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller yesterday.
He made the statement at a celebration of Bangladesh's ratification of ILO Conventions 155, 187, and 190, held at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka.
ILO Convention 155 addresses labour rights in refusing hazardous work, Convention 187 establishes a promotional framework for occupational safety and health, and Convention 190 aims to prevent violence and harassment.
The event was jointly organised by the Ministry of Labour and Employment and the ILO, and attended by interim government advisers, senior officials, diplomats, labour leaders, and ILO representatives.
"As Bangladesh prepares to graduate from LDC [least developed country] status, it can benefit from the EU's GSP+ scheme. This scheme provides continued preferential market access, but links trade benefits to the implementation of international standards on labour rights, environmental protection, human rights, and good governance," Miller said.
He added, "Our future partnership will remain rooted in mutual respect for fundamental rights and shared prosperity. Should Bangladesh one day formally request FTA negotiations, I assure you that the highest standards in rights protection and governance will be central to any such arrangement."
The EU has long supported Bangladesh through initiatives such as "Everything but Arms", providing duty-free, quota-free access, European expertise, and development cooperation, which have driven significant economic and social progress and lifted millions out of poverty.
To qualify for the GSP+ scheme or negotiate an FTA with the EU, the world's largest trade bloc, Bangladesh must now improve labour rights, human rights, good governance, and environmental protection in production.
Progress under the interim government has helped maintain preferential access to the EU market, the largest destination for Bangladeshi exports.
"We warmly welcome the interim government's achievements and encourage continued progress on Bangladesh's National Action Plan on the labour sector. Key areas still needing attention include amending the Export Processing Zone (EPZ) Labour Act, eliminating child labour, and strengthening social dialogue," Miller said.
Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmmed, chairman of the Labour Reform Commission, said, "Occupational safety and health standards need to be implemented for all workers across sectors like construction, agriculture, and transport. Ratification alone is not enough; proper implementation is essential."
Bangladesh is the first country in Asia to ratify all 10 fundamental ILO conventions and the first in South Asia to ratify ILO Convention 190. To date, the country has ratified 36 ILO conventions aimed at protecting workers' rights.
"These achievements are the result of years of efforts by the government, working closely with social partners and other stakeholders," said Max Tuñón, ILO country director in Bangladesh.
He added, "Taken together, these ratifications send a strong signal to the world. They show Bangladesh's commitment to decent work and readiness for modern regulations, robust labour institutions, and productive workplaces where workers feel protected and respected."
M Sakhawat Hussain, adviser to the Ministry of Labour and Employment, said the ratifications are crucial as Bangladesh prepares to graduate from the least developed country club next year.
Lutfey Siddiqi, chief advisor's special envoy for international affairs, also spoke at the event.
