$25m labour project
FE REPORT
| Published: October 14, 2023 00:01:17
The European Union (EU) has sought intervention of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in endorsing a $25-million proposed project urgently to support the labour-sector reforms in Bangladesh.
The supranational bloc has written to the PMO for taking necessary action to this effect.
Bangladesh, International Labour Organisation, EU representatives, Denmark, the Netherlands and Sweden signed a letter of intent (LoI) on May 11.
Their express aim was to support the implementation of the ILO Governing Body Roadmap and National Action Plan (NAP) for Labour Sector Reform (2021-2026).
A joint project styled ‘Advancing Decent Work in Bangladesh’, funded under the Team Europe Initiative on Decent Work, has subsequently been designed to support labour-sector reforms in Bangladesh.
The $24.7-million project proactively engages all relevant stakeholders, government, employers and worker organisations, according to the EU letter.
This is a flagship programme of the Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoLE) with technical implementation support from the ILO for the duration from July 2023 to December 2027.
The MoLE placed relevant papers, including the technical assistance project proposal, to the Economic Relations Division and the Planning Commission for endorsement and approval, the letter cited.
It now suggests obtaining necessary approval and facilitating submission to the ECNEC to ensure that the implementation can proceed without delay.
According to an ILO statement, ILO country director Tuomo Poutiainen at the signing ceremony said it “aims to support more female and male workers enjoying decent work through improved policies and laws, accountable, gender-responsive and inclusive labour-market institutions, and sustainable business practices contributing to the competitiveness of industries.”
At the event, MoLE secretary Ehsan-E-Elahi said the government would support project implementation in the next four years to promote decent working conditions and equal access to opportunities for all.
The government will also work to advance national ambitions around economic growth and international trade, reads the ILO statement citing Mr Elahi.
The project aligns with national development frameworks, including the Roadmap and National Action Plan on the Labour Sector (2021-2026), also mentioned in the ILO a document.
Bangladesh is going to graduate from its least-developed country (LDCs) status in 2026.
