The government of Bangladesh has received commendation from the International Labour Organization (ILO) for its wide-ranging labour reforms.
 
In a letter dated December 17, 2025, ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo expressed his appreciation for the “clear outline of these developments” as communicated earlier by Chief Advisor’s Special Envoy Lutfey Siddiqi.
 
In his letter, Director-General Houngbo wrote: "I would like to commend the efforts of the Government of Bangladesh in undertaking a wide range of labour reforms... In particular, I recognize the significant measures introduced in the Bangladesh Labour (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025”.
 
The commendation follows a November 21, 2025, update from Special Envoy Siddiqi detailing actions towards workers' rights, including freedom of association, collective bargaining, social dialogue, and working conditions.

He wrote that, following clear instructions from Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus, “the pace, process and progress of these reforms had to make a clear break from the foot-dragging of the past”.

Bangladesh becomes first Asian country to ratify all 10 ILO fundamental instruments
 
Director-General Houngbo also referred to Bangladesh’s recent ratification of additional conventions on occupational safety and health and violence and harassment as “another historical milestone”.

The instruments of ratification were deposited by Labour Advisor   Brigadier General (R) M Sakhawat Hussain in Geneva on November 20, 2025, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing on Thursday.
 
“Taken together, these measures should irreversibly take the country’s labour standards to a much higher plane”, said Siddiqi at the conclusion of his letter underscoring “not just the outcomes but also the processes established along the journey’.
 
Director-General Houngbo concluded by expressing gratitude for the trust placed in the ILO to support the government, workers’ and employers’ organisations through the provision of technical assistance throughout this process”.