United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh has achieved a significant diplomatic milestone with its unanimous election as a vice-president of the 114th International Labour Conference (ILC) 2026.  International Labour Conference is the premier global forum on labour and employment issues convened by the International Labour Organization annually.  Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh in Geneva Nahida Sobhan assumed the role Vice-President, alongside President of the Conference Juan Castillo, Minister of Labour and Social Security of Uruguay, and two other Vice Presidents, Kristen Kaufman from United States and Gerardo Martínez from Argentina.  The election was endorsed by delegates representing 187 countries, reflecting the confidence  and trust of the international community in Bangladesh’s constructive leadership in global labour governance, said a media release issued by the Bangladesh Mission in Geneva.  This prestigious position underscores Bangladesh’s new government's commitment to promoting democratization of ILO, decent work, advancing social justice, and protecting labour rights. It reflects the international recognition of Bangladesh’s contribution to advancing multilateral cooperation in addressing the evolving challenges facing the global  workforce. As Vice-President of the Conference, Bangladesh will contribute to guiding the proceedings  of the ILC and facilitating consensus-building among member states and social partners on key policy issues affecting workers and workplaces worldwide. The International Labour Conference, often referred to as the “world parliament of labour,” is the highest decision-making body of the ILO. It brings together governments, workers ’organizations, and employers ’representatives from across the world to deliberate on critical issues shaping the future of work.  This year’s conference has drawn approximately 5,000 delegates, making it the largest global gathering dedicated to labour, employment, and social  justice.

Bangladesh has been reelected deputy member of the governing body of the International Labour Organization (ILO) from the Asia-Pacific region for the term 2021-2024.  The election was virtually held on Monday in Geneva during the ongoing 109th International Labour Conference (ILC). This is the third consecutive victory for Bangladesh in the ILO governing body. Also read: Bangladesh elected ILO Covid-19 Technical Committee chair Earlier, Bangladesh had served as a deputy member for the terms 2014-2017 and 2017-2021. Bangladesh secured the first position among the candidates of the Asia-Pacific region by bagging the highest 210 votes. Also read: ILO lauds progress in RMG sector A Bangladesh delegation, led by Begum Monnujan Sufian, State Minister for Labour and Employment, is virtually attending the ongoing ILC, which includes Labour Secretary KM Abdus Salam and Md Mustafizur Rahman, Bangladesh Ambassador and Permanent Representative in Geneva. Also read: ILO, UNICEF record first increase in child labour in two decades