ILO cooperation vital for ensuring safe work environment, labour welfare: Mirza Fakhrul

Local Government, Rural Development (LGRD) and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today said International Labour Organisation (ILO) can contribute immensely in ensuring safe working environment and labour welfare in Bangladesh. “ILO can play a pivotal role in ensuring workers’ welfare and promoting a safe working environment in the country,” he said during a meeting with the representatives of International Labour Organization at his ministry office in Bangladesh Secretariat here today.

During the meeting with ILO Bangladesh Country Director Max Tunon, discussions focused on improving the living standards of city corporation sanitation workers, enhancing skills, creating employment opportunities and developing modern waste management systems, said a ministry press release. He also underscored the importance of strengthening international partnerships in employment generation, trade, industrialisation, tackling climate change impacts and enhancing the capacity of local government institutions.

Emphasising sustainable development, the minister called for greater coordination between public and private sector institutions. In a separate meeting with China State Construction Engineering Corporation delegation, the two sides discussed expanding cooperation in infrastructure and urban development sectors in Bangladesh. The discussions particularly highlighted the prospects of joint initiatives in safe water supply, modern sewerage systems, construction and urban infrastructure development.

In the meetings, the minister stressed the need for stronger international cooperation to ensure a safe working environment and generate employment opportunities in Bangladesh. Senior officials of the Local Government Division and heads of its subordinate departments were present at the meeting.