News Desk : Bangladesh has pledged to ratify ILO Convention No 190 (C190), a global treaty aimed at eliminating violence and harassment in workplaces, following a national dialogue in Dhaka on Wednesday.

The event, organised by the Trade Union International Labour Standards (TU ILS) Committee with support from the European Union, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden, brought together government officials, trade unions, employers, and development partners to align national laws with C190.

Sharmeen S Murshid, adviser to the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, affirmed full support for ratification, emphasizing C190’s comprehensive approach. “Violence and harassment extend beyond workplaces to homes and commutes, hindering women’s professional growth,” she said.

The dialogue coincided with reforms to the Bangladesh Labour Act and new anti-sexual harassment legislation.

Ministry of Labour and Employment Secretary AHM Shafiquzzaman committed to ratifying C190, alongside Conventions 155 and 187, before his retirement. “In 2025, it’s unacceptable that workplace harassment persists. We’ll align our laws to protect workers,” he said.

ILO Country Director Tuomo Poutiainen noted that ratification would strengthen Bangladesh’s global commitment to decent work and safe workplaces.

The event featured a session on C190 and Labour Act reforms, led by ILO’s Elena Gerasimova and Joint Secretary Mohammad Mashooqur Rahman Sikder, followed by a panel with Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmed (BILS), Shireen Pervin Huq (Women Affairs Reform Commission), and others.

They discussed ongoing violations, particularly against women, and the role of unions and employers in eradicating workplace abuse.

Source: UNB