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.