Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK) has applauded the interim government for signing International Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions 155, 187, and 190, calling it a historic step forward in protecting workers' rights.
The human rights group urged the government to implement the conventions promptly to ensure safe, fair, and harassment-free workplaces.
The organisation said the ratification of Convention 155 (Safety and Health at Work), Convention 187 (Framework for Promoting Safety at Work), and Convention 190 (Prevention of Violence and Harassment at Work) demonstrates Bangladesh's commitment to upholding workers' dignity, safety, and rights on the international stage.
"By enforcing these conventions, Bangladesh can bring effective changes in protecting the rights of all workers, including women and those in the marginal and informal sectors," it said.
It expressed hope that the government should swiftly translate these conventions into national laws and policies, while establishing the necessary institutional mechanisms to prevent workplace harassment, violence, and accidents.
The ASK also emphasised the importance of actively involving labor organizations, civil society, and other stakeholders in the implementation process.
The organisation called the signing a promising beginning toward ensuring safer, fairer workplaces across the country.
The interim government yesterday (22 October) signed three important conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO).
The conventions are 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).
Among these, conventions 155 and 187 are classified as fundamental ILO conventions – a status granted by the ILO in 2022.
By ratifying these, Bangladesh has become the only South Asian country to have ratified all 10 fundamental ILO conventions.