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Press Release
12 December 2024
UN and Bangladesh Chart Course for Continued Progress on SDGs: Joint Steering Committee Reviews 2024 Achievements and Sets Priorities for the Year Ahead
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Story
10 December 2024
The United Nations reflects on 50 years of partnership with Bangladesh
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Story
09 December 2024
Miles to go 30 years after Beijing Declaration
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Latest
The Sustainable Development Goals in Bangladesh
The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Bangladesh:
Speech
03 November 2024
"The efforts over the past 50 years have helped to build Bangladesh, to place it firmly on the multilateral stage, and to move ahead" - Ms. Gwyn Lewis
Thank you for joining us for the launch of the exhibition “A Promise for Future Generations: 50 years of Bangladesh in the United Nations”, held on the occasion of UN Day 2024. It is a great pleasure to welcome you all this evening to the new UN House, which will become Dhaka HQ for 12 UN entities starting this December. The images in this exhibition date back to the early 1970s when the UN first came to the assistance of refugees fleeing the former East Pakistan, all the way through to the momentous events of 2024. With photo contributions from the official UN archive, from UN entities working in Bangladesh, and from the image library of Drik Gallery, we have sought to tell two intertwined stories: the growth of Bangladesh as a UN member state across five decades; and the role that the UN has played to support the people of Bangladesh over the same period. The exhibition includes images of Bangladeshi peacekeepers deployed to UN missions overseas, and a series of moving photos depicting the generosity that Bangladesh has shown to the Rohingya people. You will note that the title of the exhibition is forward looking.More than anything, the partnership between the UN and Bangladesh is an investment for future generations. The official anniversary of Bangladesh joining the UN as a member state fell on 17 September this year, just a few days before the Summit of the Future took place in New York. The outcome documents of the Summit, including the Pact for the Future and the annex “Declaration for Future Generations”, chart a revived multilateral course. In looking towards our next decade of partnership, the UN and Bangladesh together have a duty to today’s young people and children to continue to work towards achieving the vision of the Summit. We just farewelled the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, who visited Bangladesh this week. In his remarks to students at Dhaka University on Tuesday, he said it is young people who have led the way to the “historic opportunity” that Bangladesh now has before it. The High Commissioner said that it is young people who give him hope for the future. In preparing these remarks tonight, I wanted to share some thoughts from the young UN staff in my own office. When asked to reflect on their experiences working for the UN in Bangladesh, they speak of pride in being part of an organization dedicated to the progress and empowerment of the Bangladeshi people, particularly women and children. They describe the UN-Bangladesh partnership as a source of hope and energy, driving progress towards a prosperous and equitable Bangladesh. They speak of the privilege of engaging deeply with this country's development coordination landscape. We are proud to mark this UN Day in solidarity with the men and women, young people, girls and boys of Bangladesh. The efforts over the past 50 years have helped to build this country, to place it firmly on the multilateral stage, and to move ahead in leaps and bounds towards the Sustainable Development Goals. And it is to the youth of Bangladesh that we would like to dedicate this exhibition because it is their vision that we are duty bound to take forward. I would like to thank the colleagues from across the UN agencies who have worked to pull together this wonderful display under the stewardship of Dr. Shahidul Alam and the dedicated team at Drik Gallery. Thank you to the Additional Secretary for being here as our Chief Guest and to all of you for joining us. Congratulations to the Interim Government on the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh in the United Nations, and happy UN Day to all!
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Press Release
05 November 2024
Establishing a quality care system in Bangladesh is a cornerstone for gender equality and social justice
Salma*, a young garment worker moved to Dhaka from Comilla along with her partner four years ago and they have an eight-month-old son now. They both found work in the same factory. The factory provided maternity leave and benefits during the birth of their child, and Salma returned to work after two months leave. She initially put her son in the daycare facility in the factory. With two breastfeeding breaks during work, Salma was able to ensure her child was exclusively breastfed for six months. While the daycare facility was free of charge, commuting with a young child was challenging. She recently opted for home-based childcare in her neighbourhood, leaving her son in the care of a woman until they return home from work. This service alone costs them BDT 4,000 per month, a significant portion of the family’s expenses given their combined monthly household income is BDT 35,000.Shafiq* is a sales manager in a pharmaceutical company, and lives in Dhaka with his family, including his aged mother who needs support with her daily activities. Although his wife, Shefa*, is an accounting graduate from the University of Dhaka, both Shafiq and Shefa decided that Shefa would leave her bank job to take care of Shafiq’s mother. Shefa hopes to return to her job someday. However, taking care of Shafiq’s mother remains a priority for the family at present.Rahmat* and Rehana* migrated from Mymensingh in search of work, and now live in Dhaka with their three daughters aged eight, six and two years. Rehana is a domestic worker, while Rahmat is a rickshaw puller. Rehana’s eldest daughter is yet to start school, as she must look after her two younger siblings, while her parents work. While Rahmat and Rehana would like to send their daughters to school someday soon, they are currently unable to find an arrangement to look after the youngest, so all three girls stay home. These are some stories of working Bangladeshi families highlighting challenges related to the absence of a comprehensive care system. With the changes in the nature of work, migration, inflation and climate change, the care arrangements of the past that heavily rely on families are no longer appropriate for today’s world of work. While Bangladesh continues to promote women’s economic participation, traditional approaches to care hinging on women as the primary caregivers in families remain prevalent. This limits women’s opportunities to get an education and skills required to establish their own businesses or enter and remain in workforce and contribute to the national economy. The country’s women’s participation rate in the labour force is low at 21.25 per cent.While new care solutions are being introduced by communities and entrepreneurs, their cost render them inaccessible to most families. The current care system needs to be reformed to ensure better supply, assured quality, accessibility and affordability for all. The government provides some child, elderly and disability care services but their reach is limited . For example, the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs is currently running some 63 public funded childcare centres across the country. Further, the Bangladesh Labour Act 2006 makes legal provisions for employers to ensure workplaces have childcare facilities, either on-site or off-site. A comprehensive care system would bring together people, institutions, and resources, both public and private, to deliver childcare, elderly care, healthcare, employment injury and rehabilitation support, and assistance for persons with disabilities and special needs. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) Workers with Family Responsibilities Convention, 1981 (No 156) recognises the role of state, employers and workers organisations in providing care services to improve the quality of life of the workers, including their choice of productive work and employment. It highlights the importance of meaningful engagement of workers and their communities when planning and creating care-related solutions to ensure that they are efficient, accessible and truly cater to users’ needs. Professionalization of care work is essential for providing quality services. Currently, most care occupations and workers are not recognised in law as workers. This maintains informality, produces poor working conditions and provides limited opportunities for skills development and career advancement. Standardisation of care work and organising the care workforce to ensure that their voices are heard and incorporated when designing decent and dignified working conditions in care occupations is needed. Going forwards, the government, the private sector and workers need to establish together a roadmap for change so that the current care burden on women can be reduced through development of a care system that can serve the needs for a growing economy and social protection for all in Bangladesh. * Not their real namesThis Op-Ed was first published in The Daily Star on the International Day of Care and Support.
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Press Release
30 August 2024
Seven years since the Rohingya refugee influx in Bangladesh, UNHCR reminds need for international solidarity
As we mark seven years since the large-scale Rohingya refugee arrival, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, once again calls for sustained commitment from international partners to support the protection of nearly one million Rohingya hosted by Bangladesh, and to help secure solutions for a lasting end to their plight. On 25 August 2017, some 700,000 Rohingya men, women and children were forced to flee Myanmar and seek protection in Bangladesh, joining those who had fled in previous years. The generosity by the Government and the people of Bangladesh in providing the Rohingya temporary refuge was supported by the international community and has been critical in meeting the refugees’ protection and basic needs, alongside assistance provided to local hosting communities. But in recent months security issues and funding uncertainties undermine all but the most critical and lifesaving assistance. In Myanmar’s Rakhine state, the escalated conflict has only worsened conditions for the Rohingya. Many remain stateless with limited access to higher education and jobs, and vulnerable to violence. Yet refugees in Bangladesh continue to say that they long to return to their homes and villages when it is safe to do so. A dignified and sustainable return to Myanmar remains the primary solution to this crisis. We call on the international community to demonstrate the political will to make this possible.We also call on the Bangladesh authorities to ensure that civilians fleeing the violence in Myanmar be allowed access to protection in Bangladesh.Like all of us, the Rohingya aspire for better futures, not determined by religion, race, or the socio-economic conditions of their birth. In Cox’s Bazar and on Bhasan Char, 52 per cent of the refugee population are under 18 years old, many of them born in asylum or having spent their first years in refugee camps. With meaningful support and opportunities, they are capable of immense achievement. We must invest in Rohingya children, youth, women and girls, empowering them to lift their own communities. Through partnership and collective action, we can counter the harmful impacts of generations of violence and deprivation, including the harm caused by exploitative organized groups who prey on vulnerable youth in the camps.Already, thousands of Rohingya have taken positively to trainings and responsibilities to support critical services in the camps, including legal counseling, mental health, community health work, operation and maintenance of water and sanitation infrastructure, shelter repair, as well as serving as first responders to weather and fire incidents. Enhancing resilience through skills, education and livelihoods programmes is critical to helping the refugees to stand on their own feet and move beyond aid dependency. UNHCR calls on stakeholders to continue their support for refugees’ self-reliance.In 2024, humanitarian agencies have appealed for $852 million to assist 1.35 million people, including Rohingya refugees and hosting Bangladeshi communities. We urge donors and private actors to step up their funding to the Rohingya response. The Rohingya people deserve our best, as do the generous people of Bangladesh who cannot be left to shoulder this crisis alone.FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Shari Yasmin Nijman; nijman@unhcr.org
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Press Release
13 September 2024
IFAD’s new Country Director for Bangladesh reassures continuous support in transforming rural economy
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) remains deeply committed to improving the lives and livelihoods of rural communities by boosting agricultural productivity, increasing rural incomes, and empowering smallholders and farmers, women, and youth, said Dr Valantine Achancho, IFAD's newly appointed Country Director for Bangladesh.“Bangladesh has incredible potential for agriculture and transforming rural communities. I am excited to collaborate with the government, our partners, and local communities to strengthen agricultural systems and improve lives nationwide. By working together, we can create sustainable growth and give smallholder farmers the support they need to overcome challenges and thrive,” said Achancho while presenting his credentials to Md Touhid Hossain, Adviser to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Government of Bangladesh on Wednesday.Before coming to Bangladesh, Achancho served as IFAD Country Director and Representative for the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Congo from 2020 to 2024 and has previously held the same position for Niger, Burkina Faso, and Chad. He also served as IFAD Country Programme Officer for Cameroon and Gabon, and Programme Officer for the Indian Ocean region, contributing to rural development projects in the Sahel and Congo basin, mobilising co-financing, and strengthening partnerships with governments, donors, and civil society to improve rural livelihoods.In his new role as Country Director for Bangladesh, Achancho will be advocating for and enhancing national government programmes that strengthen climate resilience in vulnerable rural communities through infrastructure and climate-smart agriculture, while enhancing access to finance, technology, and markets for smallholders and marginalized groups to diversify the economy and create rural jobs.“I am dedicated to collaborating with our partners to empower rural communities, enabling them to adapt to climate change, tackle economic challenges, and build sustainable livelihoods for long-term resilience,” says Achancho.Before joining IFAD in 2011, Achancho was deputy director of farmers’ professional organizations and cooperative movement, and senior engineer in charge of prospective analysis and agricultural policies in the Ministry of Agriculture in Cameroon. His earlier positions include national coordinator for Agence Française de Développement (AFD) funded project, visiting lecturer at the Faculty of Agronomy of the University of Dschang in Cameroon, and consultant for IFAD, the Word Bank and European Union operations. He holds a PhD in Sociology for Development from the Paris Institute of Technology for Life, Food and Environmental Sciences.Since 1978, IFAD has supported the Government of Bangladesh in its ambitious rural development goals. Over the past 45 years, IFAD has supported 37 projects, mobilizing USD 3.9 billion in financing, to improve the lives and livelihoods of more than 11 million families.Today, IFAD’s programme in Bangladesh is one of its largest. Currently, IFAD has an investment of USD 519 million in Bangladesh, distributed across six ongoing projects implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture, the Local Government Engineering Department, the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation, and the Bangladesh Water Development Board. Media Contact: Farhana Urmee, f.urmee@IFAD.org
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Press Release
30 August 2024
Two million children at risk as worst floods in three decades lash through eastern Bangladesh
DHAKA, 30 August 2024 – Over two million children in eastern Bangladesh are at risk as floods sweep through homes, schools and villages, UNICEF has warned. In all, these floods, the worst in eastern Bangladesh in 34 years, have affected 5.6 million people.Major rivers in the southeast are overflowing due to unprecedented monsoon rains. As a result, more than 52 people have been reported dead. Over 500,000 people are seeking shelter, after rising waters from swollen rivers submerged homes, streets and fields in Chattogram and Sylhet Divisions. Millions of children and families are stranded without food and emergency relief supplies. Government personnel and volunteers are conducting rescue operations, though access remains difficult in some areas. In the coming days, more people will be affected as the monsoon season continues.“The devastating floods in the eastern parts of Bangladesh are a tragic reminder of the relentless impact of extreme weather events and the climate crisis on children. Far too many children have lost loved ones, their homes, schools, and now are completely destitute,” said Emma Brigham, Deputy Representative of UNICEF Bangladesh. “UNICEF is on the frontlines providing water purification tablets, oral rehydration salts and other essential supplies, but more funds are needed to reach these children and prevent an even more devastating impact on their futures.”UNICEF has been on the ground since the onset of the disaster. Having joined an initial assessment mission with the Advisor to the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, Hasan Arif, UNICEF with its partners has reached over 338,000 people, including 130,000 children, with life-saving supplies such as 3.6 million water purification tablets, 25,000 jerry-cans to store water and over 250,000 oral rehydration salt sachets.But much more is needed. People and children urgently require cash assistance, safe drinking water, hygiene kits, emergency latrines, sanitary pads, oral rehydration salts and emergency life-saving medicines. Primary healthcare services to treat sick newborns and children and help pregnant women to give birth must be restored immediately.The recent floods come close on the heels of the floods in north Bangladesh and Cyclone Remal in May. Jointly, the three emergencies have impacted over 13 million people across Bangladesh, including 5 million children.In response to these three emergencies, UNICEF urgently requires up to US$35.3 million for critical, life-saving, and multi-sectoral interventions for children, as well as pregnant and lactating women.Climate change increases the frequency, severity and unpredictability of cyclones, floods and other extreme weather events affecting Bangladesh, underscoring that the climate crisis is fundamentally a child rights crisis. According to the UNICEF Children’s Climate Risk Index, children in Bangladesh are the most exposed in the world to climate and environmental hazards.Globally, UNICEF addresses the climate crisis to:a) protect the lives, health and well-being of children;b) empower every child to become a champion for the environment; andc) reduce the emissions and environmental footprint.“Year on year, the lives of millions of children in Bangladesh are being ravaged by floods, heatwaves and cyclones. Climate change is clearly changing children’s lives,” adds Brigham. “We call on global leaders to act urgently, and take strong measures to mitigate the effects of climate change, before it is too late for children.” For more information, please contact: Faria Selim; Communication Specialist, UNICEF Bangladesh; fselim@unicef.org
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10 December 2024
The United Nations reflects on 50 years of partnership with Bangladesh
On October 31, 2024, the United Nations in Bangladesh marked UN Day by launching a photo exhibition, "A Promise for Future Generations: 50 Years of Bangladesh in the United Nations." Spanning five decades, from the early 1970s when the UN first aided refugees fleeing the former East Pakistan to the momentous events of 2024, the images captured the essence of human life at the core of all UN initiatives. They showcased how UN programmes have helped women and children achieve literacy, promoted sustainability in the garment industry, and supported farmers in accessing financial services. These powerful images tell a story of progress that characterises Bangladesh's development over the past fifty years. More than 200 guests from the government, civil society, and private sector attended the inauguration and were invited to reflect on the history of the UN’s partnership with Bangladesh. Ms. Gwyn Lewis, the UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh, welcomed attendees by highlighting the country’s fifty years of progress and the promise of its future, stating, “We would like to dedicate this exhibition to the youth of Bangladesh because it is their vision that we are duty bound to take forward." Upazila store to distribution points by portersThe Guest of Honor, Mr Syed Masud Mahmood Khundoker, Secretary of the Consular & Welfare Wing in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangladesh, spoke about the significance of the UN's partnership with the country: "This event gives an opportunity to reiterate our commitment to working with the UN: together, we will continue to strive for a world where no one is left behind. As stated by Dr Yunus, the Chief Advisor of our country, we envision a world with three zeros—zero poverty, zero unemployment, and zero net carbon emissions. Let's share our responsibility for shared prosperity." The exhibit was hosted at the UN Common Office in Dhaka and Shahabuddin Park and extended for a week due to popular demand. A mobile exhibition displayed photos on rickshaws throughout Dhaka to reach a wider audience.The images inspired locals and UN staff to reflect on the history, impact, and breadth of the UN’s work in Bangladesh. "As a female staff member from WFP, I take pride in being part of an organisation dedicated to empowering our people, especially women and children,” stated Sonia Akter, a WFP staff member at the exhibition.A local businessperson, Mr. Arifuzzaman, said, "It was an eye-opener. We know how the UN is supporting Bangladesh, especially in the recent context of our student protests and the support of our interim government. However, this exhibition showed the historical context of the UN's work with Bangladesh, even during the liberation war.”UNICEF-run learning center in Camp 1W, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, inThis UN Day 2024 observation celebrated a longstanding partnership, reaffirming the UN's commitment to supporting Bangladesh as it continues its journey towards a more resilient and sustainable future.The exhibition's participating organisations included FAO, IFAD, ILO, IOM, UN Women, UNAIDS, UNCDF, UNDP, UNESCO, UNFPA, UNHCR, UNICEF, UNIDO, UNODC, UNOPS, UNV, WFP, and WHO. To learn more about the UN’s history in Bangladesh, check out the links below: Virtual Gallery showcasing exhibition, "A Promise for Future Generations: 50 Years of Bangladesh in the United Nations" UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh, Gwyn Lewis, reflects on the three themes that will shape Bangladesh’s futureFull text of UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh’s speech at the Launch of the 50th Anniversary of Bangladesh's UN Membership Photo Exhibition
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09 December 2024
Miles to go 30 years after Beijing Declaration
In 2022, approximately 48,800 women lost their lives globally due to violence perpetrated by intimate partners or family members, translating to a woman being killed every 11 minutes. This alarming statistic highlights the ongoing issue of femicide and domestic violence worldwide. In 2023, this number soared to 85,000, with 60 percent of these homicides committed by intimate partners.These figures are incredibly alarming as they represent the highest annual rates of femicide recorded in the past two decades.Behind the staggering numbers are thousands of lives cut short and families and communities that have been scarred. But in addition to the women who have lost their lives, there are also countless survivors of gender-based violence (GBV). Globally, an estimated 73.6 crore women will experience physical or sexual violence by a partner in their lifetimes.Seventy-three percent of women in Bangladesh have experienced violence from an intimate partner. Another dire statistic highlights the issue of domestic violence in the country, with nearly two-thirds of ever-married women reporting some form of partner violence in their lifetime.The United Nations (UN) in Bangladesh supports government programmes and partners that provide essential GBV services to survivors. In Moheshkhali Upazila Health Complex of Cox's Bazar, caseworkers like Tasnim specialise in delivering trauma-informed and gender-responsive support as part of the One-Stop Crisis Cell. Tasnim and her colleagues focus on prevention and response, working to connect survivors to medical care, legal aid, shelter support, skill development opportunities, and even job training.In 2023, the UN provided support to 267,600 survivors of GBV across Bangladesh, helping them access vital services. However, many women and girls still fall through the cracks. When they experience violence, it is crucial that the survivors can access timely and appropriate services. Caseworkers like Tasnim are on the frontlines of addressing GBV in Bangladesh and require ongoing support and funding for these essential programmes.As the annual 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence draws to a close on December 10, we are reminded that this crisis demands urgent attention and sustained action. There is no time to lose.In just a few months, the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action will be observed, providing a timely opportunity to renew the sense of urgency and take action to reverse the trends of GBV.For the thousands of women and girls in Bangladesh who are at risk of GBV, efforts need to focus on enhancing prevention measures and reducing the need for these services in the first place.Sexual harassment in workplaces, educational institutions, and public spaces, particularly in the transport sector, remains a significant concern in Bangladesh. This issue contributes to an environment that fosters GBV. Legal reforms are necessary to prevent sexual harassment and provide protection for women in the office, classroom, and public spaces.Stronger measures are needed to safeguard women and girls from tech-facilitated GBV and harassment in the online space. The discriminatory section of the Penal Code (sections 354 and 509) needs to be amended to reduce harassment in public spaces, especially on public transport. While legal reforms are vital in addressing GBV, they are merely the first steps. It is equally essential to address the deeply ingrained social and gender norms that normalise and even justify harmful practices.It is time to move beyond simply engaging men with gender equality and women's empowerment agendas. We need to invest in concerted, evidence-based efforts that actively transform the models of masculinity that fuel power imbalances and condone violence.Time is of the essence, and much work remains to be done. The UN in Bangladesh is committed to supporting legal reforms through a strong partnership with the Ministry for Women and Children Affairs, leading a renewed push for systemic change.We share a vision in which femicide rates decline significantly, and ultimately, we aim for a reality where they reach zero. This op-ed was cosigned by Gwyn Lewis, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh; Gitanjali Singh, the Representative of UN Women in Bangladesh; and Masaki Watabe, the Representative ad interim for UNFPA in Bangladesh.
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02 December 2024
Bangladesh reaffirms commitment to harmonious industrial relations with tripartite declaration
DHAKA (ILO News) – In a significant step toward fostering stable and equitable workplace relations, the Government of Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Employers’ Federation and workers represented by the National Coordination Committee for Workers’ Education (NCCWE) jointly adopted a declaration on an “Improved and Harmonious National Industrial Relations System in Bangladesh”.The tripartite partners, representing the key constituents of the ILO pledged to work collaboratively to build an industrial relations system anchored in social justice. This system aims to promote harmonious relations between workers and employers while ensuring a stable business environment—both crucial for sustainable and resilient economic growth. This declaration comes in the wake of widespread persistent industrial unrest across various sectors, with disruptions to business operations for extended periods. A sound industrial relations system is the best cure to prevent and eliminate social unrest, violence and disruption at their onset, and the ILO and the tripartite constituents call upon all stakeholders to uphold rights and protect businesses.“Sound industrial relations anchored in inclusive social dialogue, pave the way for better employment terms, improved working conditions and social justice, which are essential elements for a stable business environment,” said Manuela Tomei, the ILO Assistant Director-General for Governance, Rights and Dialogue. “Such a system is best established on a foundation of respect for international labour standards with the freedom of association, the right to collective bargaining, and safe and healthy working conditions as non-negotiable pillars of the system.” The Declaration, signed during a national dialogue on strengthening harmonious industrial relations in Bangladesh, outlines a shared vision to enhance social dialogue systems and establish more effective mechanisms for dispute prevention and resolution.“The Government of Bangladesh reaffirms its commitment to reform and strengthen Tripartite Consultative Committees, in collaboration with its social partners, stated AHM Shafiquzzaman, Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Employment.” This will be aligned with international labour standards, particularly, the Tripartite Consultation Convention (ILS), 1976 (No. 144), and social dialogue at all levels.” BEF President Ardashir Kabir highlighted the employers’ role in promoting social dialogue, saying: “The Bangladesh Employers’ Federation is dedicated to raising awareness about the value of tripartism and will actively support government efforts to enhance collective bargaining mechanisms.”Making a similar pledge, workers “committed to support the effective role of workers in tripartite and bipartite social dialogue mechanisms and to identifying and supporting measures to improve the functioning of such mechanisms,” said Badal Khan, the Chairperson the NCCWE.A modernized and unified dispute prevention and resolution framework, including alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, will be essential to achieving an effective industrial relations system in Bangladesh.This Declaration marks a pivotal moment in the country’s journey toward more equitable and sustainable industrial relations, laying the groundwork for social justice and long-term economic prosperity.
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Story
02 December 2024
Stories of Courage and Resilience Redefining the Gender-Based Violence Survivors
There can be #NoExcuse for violence against women and girls. This year we are celebrating 16 Days of Activism intending to renew commitments and call for accountability to ensure gender equality and uphold the rights of women and girls.UNDP’s Strengthening Women’s Ability for Productive New Opportunities (SWAPNO) project, supported by Sweden, empowers vulnerable women to escape cycles of abuse and poverty, offering them a path to resilience and independence. Women working with the project allow us a scope to redefine gender-based violence survivors.As we are observing 16 Days of Activism, here are three stories of resilience that can inspire everyone: Anju: From Child Bride to BreadwinnerAnju Ara was married off when she was in class 6 and became a mother by 14. She endured years of violence from her husband and in-laws. She remained silent as she expected things to get better with time. However, she was abandoned by her husband and lost custody of her eldest son. Things were not easy when she returned to her parents. She was subjected to ridicule and shame as there was are social stigma associated with being abandoned by her husband.“I could not lose hope because I had two of my children dependent on me. I knew no matter how dark the situation gets I must survive for them” she said. At 25, Anju Ara has transformed her life from one of abuse and hardship to independence and resilience.She was working in the agricultural field as a day labourer to feed her children. Hope came through UNDP’s SWAPNO program, where she earned a steady income and received business training. With support from the program, she started a fishery business alongside her public maintenance job. Amena: Overcoming Violence and Finding HopeAmena Begum’s life took a devastating turn when her husband’s abuse left her blind in one eye and caused the loss of her unborn child. Fleeing her abusive household with her two children, she sought refuge at her mother’s home, struggling to survive. “I refused to let my disability hold me back. This work in SWAPNO is a source of steady income for me which gave me the strength to move forward” she said. Though physical labor is challenging due to her condition, Amena plans to start a small shop to achieve independence and secure a better future for her family. Lovely: A Journey from Abuse to EmpowermentLovely was leading a blissful married life with her daughter, husband, and in-laws. However, things did not remain the same after a couple of years. Her husband got involved in illegal activities. When Lovely protested the actions, her husband started being abusive to her.“My daughter was four years old when she saw me getting beaten. She is still traumatized by the memory” she said. Her mother-in-law tried to stop her husband on different occasions. Yet the abuse escalated, forcing her to leave with her two children.Unlike many others, Lovely’s family was a lot more supportive. They backed her up when she started working as a day labourer. After a while, she joined UNDP’s SWAPNO program. She received training on small business and entrepreneurship and opened her own cosmetics shop. Her shop has gained popularity in her village getting her a good amount of income.She has now become a decision-maker for her family and an inspiration for others. “No girl should be married off early. I want my daughter to study and achieve her dreams. I even hope my sister completes nursing education before getting married,” Lovely shares with determination.
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26 November 2024
Government of Bangladesh launch Roadmap for Childcare in Bangladesh
DHAKA – The Ministry of Women and Children Affairs (MoWCA), with technical assistance from the International Labour Organization (ILO), officially launched the Roadmap for Childcare in Bangladesh on 24 November 2024. The roadmap was inaugurated by Ms Mamtaz Ahmed, Senior Secretary of MoWCA, alongside Ms Keya Khan, Director General of the Department of Women Affairs, and Mr Tuomo Poutiainen, ILO Country Director.The roadmap addresses critical gaps in accessibility, affordability, and quality in the childcare sector, presenting a detailed framework to enhance the system nationwide. The roadmap has been developed by Research and Policy Integration for Development (RAPID) through extensive stakeholder consultations with the government, workers and employers' organisations, childcare workers, and parents. It aligns with the Government of Bangladesh’s commitments to the Decent Work Agenda, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 on Gender Equality (particularly indicator 5.4.1 on reducing hours on unpaid care work of women) and SDG 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth- thereby exploring the untapped potential of a thriving childcare economy.The roadmap provides a ‘whole-of-government’ and ‘whole-of-society’ approach to establish an accessible, affordable, and quality childcare system with robust governance and regulatory framework. The roadmap will provide a step-by-step guideline for the government to develop the childcare sector with a two-pronged approach- i., improving the childcare quality, affordability and accessibility of services, and ii. improving on the overall working conditions for all occupations in childcare - in line with the following timelines and critical actions:Short-term (within 2 years)Strengthen governance and raise awareness about the diverse aspects of childcare services.Initiate recognising childcare work as skilled work, including addressing decent work deficits by promoting fair wages, safety, and training for childcare workers.Medium-term (within 5 years) Expand coverage, improve skills status quo for all childcare workers, and enhance the overall quality of ECCE services. Improved decent working conditions for childcare workers, including necessary health, safety, and ECCE certification. Long-term (within 10 years)Achieve full implementation of a nationwide plan of action for quality childcare that is accessible, affordable, and meets international standards, human rights instruments, and global best practices.Establish childcare as a recognized profession with equitable wages, access to social protection and a safe, supportive work environment.In addition, the roadmap suggests practical strategies for addressing the financing gaps the government may consider within the existing policy framework of National Social Security Strategy (NSSS) alongside other policy tools for a more equitable redistribution amongst of the overall costing related to childcare for Bangladesh.During the event, Ms Mamtaz Ahmed, Senior Secretary, MoWCA, highlighted the government’s commitment to improve the childcare system in Bangladesh. She emphasized that a robust childcare system would enable more women to join and stay in the workforce while creating job opportunities for both women and men. This reflects the government’s dedication to establishing sustainable childcare solutions that empower working parents, especially women.Mr Tuomo Poutiainen, ILO Country Director, expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs for their efforts to advance the care agenda in Bangladesh. He stated, “Access to affordable childcare is essential for gender equality and social justice. It determines whether parents, especially mothers, can pursue work opportunities and how much of their income is spent on care—an issue particularly critical for families in informal settlements. Reliable, high-quality childcare supports both family stability and workforce participation.” He further emphasized the importance of aligning childcare initiatives with international labour standards.A presentation on the supporting study by Dr Abu Eusuf, Executive Director of RAPID, revealed staggering statistics. Bangladesh currently has 63 government-run daycare centres, while there are over 100 private centres however, most of the private models remain unaffordable for low- and middle-income families. 54 per cent of women cited inadequate childcare as a significant barrier to workforce participation, with 18 per cent having to quit their jobs due to a lack of caregiving options. Dr Eusuf emphasised that the study provides a foundation for evidence-based policymaking to drive equitable and inclusive childcare solutions. The roadmap proposed expanding childcare infrastructure, ensuring affordability through targeted subsidies, and enhancing service quality through robust governance mechanisms including ensuring appropriate skilling opportunities and decent working conditions for childcare workers.Senior government officials, representatives of workers’ and employers’ organisations, development partners, embassies, civil society groups, and the media gathered at the launch to unveil the roadmap and reinforce Bangladesh’s commitment to improving childcare nationally and globally. Among those present were Mr Sobur Hossain, Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Mr Badal Khan, Chairperson of the National Coordination Committee for Workers’ Education, and Mr Farooq Ahmed, Secretary General of the Bangladesh Employers’ Federation, highlighting the broad support for the initiative across key sectors.This collaborative effort between MoWCA and ILO signifies the government’s commitment to prioritising the childcare economy within national policy frameworks. The roadmap is expected to guide future interventions, create partnerships, and strengthen institutional capacities for a more inclusive childcare system in Bangladesh.
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Press Release
12 December 2024
UN and Bangladesh Chart Course for Continued Progress on SDGs: Joint Steering Committee Reviews 2024 Achievements and Sets Priorities for the Year Ahead
The Government of Bangladesh and the United Nations Country Team convened a Joint Steering Committee (JSC) meeting to review progress on the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (Cooperation Framework) and discuss priorities for 2025. The meeting also addressed critical issues regarding implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Bangladesh’s graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status.The UN acknowledged the significant changes in Bangladesh in recent months and reaffirmed its support for the interim government's evolving priorities, particularly in reform commissions focused on issues such as elections, policing, anti-corruption, and human rights.To address the SDG priorities in the context of the broader development agenda, participation was expanded to include several senior government officials. Co-chaired by Mr. Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiky, Secretary of the Economic Relations Division (ERD), Ministry of Finance, and Ms. Gwyn Lewis, UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh, the meeting was attended by representatives from twenty-eight line ministries, eighteen UN agencies, JSC members, and senior government officials, including the Principal Coordinator (SDG Affairs), the Planning Secretary, and the Member of the General Economics Division (GED). The Cooperation Framework (2022-2026) outlines UN support to Bangladesh in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 8th Five-Year Plan across five strategic priorities: Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Development Equitable Human Development and Well Being Sustainable, Healthy and Resilient Environment Transformative, Participatory and Inclusive Governance Gender Equality and Eliminating Gender-Based Violence In 2024, the JSC reviewed progress across key areas. The UN has supported Bangladesh's economic transformation through various initiatives, including fostering CMSME development, facilitating SDG financing, and promoting environmental sustainability. The UN also mobilized significant aid in response to Cyclone Remal and widespread flooding, notably deploying early warning systems that helped millions prepare. Collaboration with national commissions continued critical reforms in areas like policing, elections, and anti-corruption, in tandem with support for the government in strengthening legal protections for women and promoting gender equality.Looking ahead to 2025, the JSC identified key policy support and capacity-building interventions to accelerate SDG progress, emphasizing integrated policy, financing, and programming at scale, focusing on Leaving No One Behind. The meeting also identified several key policies and interventions to support Bangladesh’s development in its new political context. "Our collective efforts will focus on creating a sustainable economic transformation, inclusive, essential services, bolstering climate resilience, enhanced governance framework, and driving gender equality across all sectors. We stand ready to support the interim government's reform commissions, assist in accessing innovative financing mechanisms, and strengthen data systems to seize this moment for long-term sustainable development," said Ms. Gwyn Lewis, UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh.“To successfully graduate from LDC status, we must embrace a new era of collaboration focused on advancements in science, technology, and artificial intelligence in Bangladesh." said Mr. Siddiky.The next meeting of the JSC is scheduled for May 2025.
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Press Release
25 November 2024
Improving industrial relations: The importance of social dialogue in Bangladesh
The International Labour Organization (ILO) Country Office in Dhaka is closely monitoring the labour unrest in Ready-Made Garment (RMG) and other sectors arising from a range of worker grievances, highlighting significant systemic issues that demand urgent attention and resolution.The ILO acknowledges the complexities surrounding these challenges and underscores the importance of constructive dialogue among employers and factory owners, workers, and government representatives. It is essential for all parties to engage in good faith, working collaboratively towards fair and equitable solutions that uphold workers' rights while ensuring the economic sustainability of the factories.The ILO commends the RMG industry for the landmark agreement reached between workers and employers in Bangladesh’s Ashulia area, on the outskirts of Dhaka, reached on 24 September, after days of escalating labour unrest, that has raised hopes for harmonious industrial relations and long-term peace in the sector.Social dialogue, which involves collaboration among different stakeholders to find solutions and resolve disputes, is a crucial tool for good governance. It not only supports sustainable business practices and better working conditions but also contributes to advancing social justice and decent work for all.The ILO identifies several key areas where action is required:Wage structure and policy reform: Developing an evidence-based, gender-responsive national wage policy is vital for regular and fair wage setting. Reforming the minimum wage mechanism and ensuring inclusive consultations between employers and workers will help address wage-related grievances including the move towards providing living wages. Sectoral wage boards and strong collective bargaining mechanisms must be established to prevent and de-escalate unrest related to wages and working conditions.Labour law reform and strengthened legal protections: Amendments to the Bangladesh Labour Act, aligned with international labour standards, are needed to expand coverage to all workers, including those in the informal sector and export processing zones (EPZs). The reform should strengthen mechanisms for resolving labour disputes, enhance wage protections, and simplify the processes for trade union registration.A strong national industrial relations system: A robust and transparent national industrial relations system is essential for addressing disputes early and preventing them from escalating into violence. This should include the introduction of an independent alternative dispute resolution institution and reforms to the labour court system to improve case management. Addressing anti-union discrimination cases is also a vital step toward promoting industrial peace.Social protection: The Employment Injury Scheme, currently piloted for garment workers, should be institutionalized, legislated, and gradually extended to other sectors. Establishing a comprehensive social protection system, aligned with ILO conventions, will boost workers' safety and well-being while enhancing Bangladesh’s global competitiveness.Occupational safety and health (OSH): The ILO encourages the Government of Bangladesh to ratify OSH conventions No. 155 and No. 187 and to develop a comprehensive national OSH system. This will promote a culture of safety across all sectors of the economy.The ILO calls on all stakeholders to work for improvement of the industrial relations system through constructive social dialogue. This collaboration is essential not only for the stability of the RMG sector but also for the broader economic and social well-being of Bangladesh. Through shared effort and commitment, we are optimistic that peaceful and productive industrial relations can be achieved, benefiting all parties involved.On the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 26, 2024, ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo met with Dr. Mohammad Yunus, Honourable Chief Adviser, to discuss the interim Government's priorities. The discussions focused on employment creation and labour reforms, and the ILO's role in supporting these initiatives.The ILO remains dedicated to supporting Bangladesh on its journey towards sustainable and inclusive economic growth, underpinned by the promotion of decent work, labour rights, and social justice.
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Press Release
25 November 2024
Establishing quality care system in Bangladesh is a cornerstone for gender equality and social justice
Establishing quality care system in Bangladesh is a cornerstone for gender equality and social justiceTuomo Poutiainen, ILO Country Director for BangladeshSalma, a young garment worker moved to Dhaka from Comilla along with her partner four years ago and have an eight-month-old son now. They both found work in the same factory. The factory provided maternity leave and benefits during the birth of their child, and Salma returned to work after two months leave. She initially put her son in the child daycare facility in the factory. With two breastfeeding breaks during work, Salma was able to ensure her child was exclusively breastfed for six months. While the daycare facility was free of charge, commuting with a young child was challenging. She has recently opted for home-based childcare in her neighbourhood, leaving her son in the care of a woman until they return home from work. This service alone costs them BDT 4,000 per month, a significant portion of the family’s expenses given their combined monthly household income is BDT 35,000.Shafiq is a sales manager in a pharmaceutical company, and lives in Dhaka with his family, including his aged mother who needs support with her daily activities. Although his wife, Shefa, is an accounting graduate from the University of Dhaka, both Shafiq and Shefa decided that Shefa would leave her bank job to take care of Shafiq’s mother. Shefa hopes to return to her job someday. However, taking care of Shafiq’s mother remains a priority for the family at present.Rahmat and Rehana migrated from Mymensingh in search of work, and now live in Dhaka with their three daughters aged eight, six and two years. Rehana is a domestic worker, while Rahmat is a rickshaw puller. Rehana’s eldest daughter is yet to start school, as she must look after her two younger siblings, while her parents work. While Rahmat and Rehana would like to send their daughters to school someday soon, they are also unable to find an arrangement to look after the youngest, so all three girls stay home. These are some stories of working Bangladeshi families highlighting challenges related to the absence of a comprehensive care system. An equitable care system matters for all Brought by the changes in work, migration, inflation and climate change, the care arrangements of the past with heavy reliance on families are no longer appropriate for today’s world of work. While Bangladesh continues to promote women’s economic participation, traditional approaches to care hinging on women as the primary caregivers in families remain prevalent. This limits women’s opportunities to get an education and skills required to establish their own businesses or enter and remain in workforce and contribute to the national economy. The country’s women’s participation rate in the labour force is a low at 21.25 per cent.While new care solutions are being introduced by communities and entrepreneurs, their cost render them inaccessible for most families. The current care system needs to be reformed to ensure better supply, quality, accessibility and affordability for all. The government provides some child, elderly and disability care services but their reach is limited . For example, the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs is running 63 public funded childcare centres across the country. The Bangladesh Labour Act 2006 makes legal provisions for employers to ensure workplaces have childcare facilities, either on-site or off-site. A comprehensive care system brings together people, institutions, and resources, both public and private, to deliver childcare, elderly care, healthcare, employment injury and rehabilitation support, and assistance for persons with disabilities and special needs. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention No 156 (1981) on Workers with Family Responsibilities recognises the role of state, employers and workers organisations in providing care services to improve the quality of life of the workers, including their choice of productive work and employment. It highlights the importance of meaningful engagement of workers and their communities when planning and creating care-related solutions to ensure that they are efficient, accessible and truly cater to users’ needs. Professionalization of care work is essential for providing quality services. Currently, most care occupations and workers are not recognised in law as workers. This maintains informality, produces poor working conditions and provides limited opportunities for skills development and career advancement. Standardisation of care work and organising the care workforce to ensure that their voices are heard and incorporated when designing decent and dignified working conditions in care occupations is needed. Going forwards Government, private sector and workers need to establish together a roadmap for change so that the current care burden of women can be reduced, and a modern care system can be developed to serve the needs for growing economy and social protection needs in Bangladesh.
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Press Release
24 November 2024
The Republic of Korea Steps Up Support to the World Food Programme’s Food Assistance for Rohingya in Bangladesh
Dhaka, Bangladesh — The Republic of Korea has stepped up its support to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) with a new contribution of US$2 million. The timely funding enabled WFP to reach nearly 76,000 Rohingya and provide them with a full ration of US$12.50 for two months. “We are pleased that this latest contribution, along with Korea’s rice donation in July and August, has helped many Rohingya families meet their essential food needs. The Republic of Korea stands committed to easing the Rohingya’s plight and we hope more partners will join us in supporting them,” said PARK Young-sik, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Bangladesh. In recent years, the Government of Korea through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has steadily contributed to WFP’s Rohingya food assistance in Bangladesh. In addition to food assistance, WFP has been supporting the population with nutrition, school feeding, resilience-building, and disaster risk reduction assistance, while also assisting host Bangladeshi communities in Cox’s Bazar with nutrition, livelihood support, and resilience-building. Despite ongoing needs, humanitarian partners have been facing significant funding challenges, resulting in reduced assistance. In 2023, food rations had to be cut from US$12 to US$10 in March, then to US$8 in June. Following the ration cuts, WFP monitoring showed a sharp decline in food consumption among Rohingya families, with global acute malnutrition (GAM) rising to 15.1% – above the 15% emergency threshold per WHO classification, and the worst since the 2017 influx. In addition, frequent hazards such as fires, climate shocks, including floods and landslides, and insecurity in the camps, have further deepened the Rohingya’s vulnerability. Thanks to the international community, WFP was able to raise the ration at the beginning of 2024 and in August to restore the full ration to US$12.50 per person per month. Fortified rice was also added to the assistance package for the first time. WFP needs nearly US$80 million in funding to sustain the full ration and the rest of its operations into the next year. “The contribution from the Republic of Korea is not only timely but critical – it has helped us save lives and alleviate hunger at a time when the Rohingya are facing unimaginable challenges. Thank you, RoK and the Korean people for your compassion and solidarity,” said Dom Scalpelli, WFP Country Director. For more information please contact: Syed Tashfin Chowdhury, Communications Officer, WFP Bangladesh, tashfin.chowdhury@wfp.org
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Press Release
21 November 2024
Marking World Children’s Day, UNICEF appoints a new Youth Advocate, Gargee Tanushree Paul
WHAT: UNICEF announced today the appointment of Gargee Tanushree Paul as a new Youth Advocate in Bangladesh for the coming two years. During the signing ceremony for her new role, Gargee met with Rana Flowers, UNICEF Representative in Bangladesh, and discussed about children's rights in the country. In her new role as a Youth Advocate, Gargee will engage with UNICEF in global and national moments to amplify children’s voices and advocate for children’s rights including increasing awareness of climate action, protecting their future from violence, neglect, abuse and childhood traumas, child marriage, learning crisis and prioritizing the most vulnerable and marginalized children in all areas of development. 16-year-old Gargee is a dedicated child rights advocate and journalist, currently a student in Grade 10 at Scholastica School. She engages in supporting underprivileged children, as well as on projects to improve education for indigenous children. Gargee has published over 200 reports with child journalism media hello.bdnews24.com covering key issues like child marriage, education, and climate change. She has also led impactful awareness campaigns and charity drives, highlighting her commitment to UNICEF’s mission. Her background and active engagement make her an inspiring role model for children and young people. As a Youth Advocate, Gargee will inspire other young people to take action towards making the world a better place. Download full Bio here WHEN: Wednesday, 20 November 2024WHERE: UNICEF House For more information please contact:Faria Selim, UNICEF Bangladesh fselim@unicef.org
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