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:

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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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08 January 2025

Bangladesh reaffirms commitment to harmonious industrial relations with the 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 promotes harmonious relations between workers and employers while ensuring a stable business environment—which is crucial for sustainable and resilient economic growth. This declaration comes in the wake of widespread persistent industrial unrest across various sectors, which has disrupted 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, 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 dispute prevention and resolution mechanisms.“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: “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 supporting 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 of the NCCWE.A modernised 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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08 January 2025

"Caring for Soils: Measure, Monitor, Manage" – A Call to Action for Sustainable Soil Management

Dhaka, Bangladesh – A seminar on ‘Sustainability of healthy soil for food security in Bangladesh’ supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations was organised by Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) at BARC Auditorium, Farmgate, Dhaka to mark the 10th ‘World Soil Day’ on 5 December 2024.Soil degradation affects over one-third of the planet’s land area, threatening the livelihoods of millions of farmers and the stability of food production systems worldwide. As soil quality declines, it becomes more difficult to grow crops, exacerbating challenges related to hunger and poverty. At the same time, healthy soil can sequester carbon, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and contribute to climate change mitigation.Lt. Gen. Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury (Retd.), Hon'ble Adviser, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of Bangladesh, and Dr Jiaoqun Shi, FAO Representative in Bangladesh, graced the program, which was chaired by Dr Mohammad Emdad Ullah Mian, Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture.This year’s theme, "Measure, Monitor, Manage", emphasises the need for accurate soil data and monitoring to guide informed decisions on soil management. Experts agree that understanding soil properties is crucial to ensuring that the correct agricultural practices are applied to promote soil health and, by extension, food security.
Lt. Gen. Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury (Retd.), Adviser, Ministry of Agriculture, said, “World Soil Day serves as a reminder that everyone—from individuals to Governments—has a role to play in caring for our soils. The theme for this year encourages collaboration across sectors to enhance soil conservation efforts and ensure that future generations inherit soils that can sustain their needs.’’Dr Jiaoqun Shi, FAO Representative in Bangladesh, said, “Healthy soils are essential for food production, climate resilience, and the overall well-being of our planet. By investing in soil data and monitoring systems, Bangladesh can make informed decisions to protect and enhance the health of its soils”. He reaffirmed FAO's commitment to work with the Government of Bangladesh to transform agriculture to build a more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agri-food system for better production, nutrition, environment, and life, leaving no one behind.Prof Dr. M Jahiruddin (Retired), Department of Soil Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, presented the keynote paper, which focused on strengthening agricultural policy and implementing effective farmer-extension-research interfaces for soil fertility and precision nutrient management. He also recommended strategies to reduce soil health degradation and rehabilitate resources.FAO is actively involved in improving soil health and promoting sustainable agricultural practices in Bangladesh. Initiatives such as updating pesticide policies for better pesticide management, assessing sustainable soil management practices, farmer-to-farmer extension initiatives such as the Global Soil Doctors Programme (GSDP), integrated resource mobilisation for reducing water scarcity, and nurturing soil health programs are being implemented.About World Soil Day
World Soil Day is an international observance promoted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. The day highlights the importance of healthy soil for food security, ecosystem services, and sustainable development. It is celebrated annually on December 5 in honour of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, who initiated the idea for World Soil Day in 2002.

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08 January 2025

Bangladesh: Infrastructure development and maintenance key for decent work opportunities

DHAKA (ILO News)—Bangladesh could create many meaningful jobs in every corner of the country through infrastructure development that combines locally available labour and appropriate technologies, Tomas Stenstrom, a senior ILO specialist on employment-intensive investment, has said.Speaking during a strategic dialogue with Bangladesh’s Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), which is responsible for rural and urban infrastructure development, Stenstrom emphasised the need to fully harness the locally available resources, including the labour, in the entire infrastructure development and maintenance cycle to generate much-needed jobs for the country.With the right partnerships and approaches, one could leverage infrastructure projects to drive local climate adaptation and social cohesion in Bangladesh.International financial institutions, namely the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD), KfW and the World Bank, and other UNDP and FAO, were also present.IFAD’s Rilla Kirk reiterated the importance of infrastructure for employment creation: “Infrastructure gives numerous opportunities for jobs and economic development that must be grabbed not only in the initial development phase but also in repair and maintenance, which are often neglected despite their potential to create long-term employment opportunities,” she said.LGED’s Chief Engineer, Gopal Krishna, highlighted the use of female labour in some of the country's infrastructure projects, which employed 15,000 women over a period of three years and plans to triple the number over the next five years.The local resource-based (LRB) approach to infrastructure development aims to improve physical access to goods, services, and facilities, especially in rural and marginalized urban communities. It optimises and combines local resources, materials, technologies, and knowledge in developing, operating, and maintaining community works such as roads, bridges, schools, markets, irrigation canals, flood shelters, and so on. “Combining the use of locally available skilled and unskilled labour, local materials, local knowledge and appropriate technologies has proven to be an effective and economically viable approach to infrastructure works and job creation in many local settings,” Stenstrom said. Addressing concerns regarding the quality, cost, and timeliness of labour-intensive infrastructure projects, the ILO employment specialist reassured that a well-organised labour workforce supported by light equipment had been shown to deliver the same level of quality work in some tasks as heavy machinery, competing strongly on quality and cost with machinery commonly used in infrastructure development.He urged careful consideration of the cost and availability of some of the machinery and its spare parts when conducting the cost-benefit analysis. The ILO's Employment Intensive Investment Programme links infrastructure development with employment creation and skills development, contributing to poverty reduction and local economic and social development. The dialogue updated key actors on the opportunities to leverage investments in infrastructure and environmental works to create decent and sustainable jobs and identified potential collaboration with LGED in areas of capacity building and skills development for improved employment impacts in infrastructure projects.

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08 January 2025

Bangladesh: Rethinking labour migration governance for a fairer future

As we marked International Migrants Day, we recognised the invaluable contributions of millions of Bangladeshi migrant workers shaping economies abroad and driving development at home. However, their journey remains fraught with challenges that demand systemic reforms.The International Labour Organization (ILO) convened a dialogue to chart the way forward on labour migration reforms required to make working abroad fairer for Bangladeshi workers. The social partners - policymakers, employers’ representatives, CSOs and experts convened with a shared understanding that while Bangladesh has laws, policies, and institutional frameworks to safeguard migrant workers, systemic gaps persist, compromising workers’ welfare and protection.Participants in the dialogue highlighted critical challenges across the labour migration cycle, starting with the high migration cost borne by migrant workers from Bangladesh. The Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics’ 2020 Cost of Migration Survey revealed that it takes at least 17 months for Bangladeshi migrant workers to recover the money they spend to secure jobs abroad. Factors such as visa trading, exploitative recruitment practices, over-dependence on intermediaries, and many hidden costs have distorted the market, pushing costs remarkably high. Additionally, non-transparent recruitment processes, including syndication and vested interests, persist despite bilateral labour migration instruments to promote fair recruitment in destination countries. There has also been an unprecedented increase in recruiting agencies, which, without stronger oversight and due diligence in the recruitment process, exacerbate worker exploitation. The existence of unregulated sub-agents exacerbates worker exploitation, further eroding confidence in the recruitment process for jobs abroad. This issue will continue undermining workers’ protection and welfare without strict accountability measures and reform. For women migrant workers, the situation is particularly dire as they often find themselves in less stable employment, typically low-skilled, low-paying informal jobs with limited labour rights. Their work is frequently terminated without notice, and they are returned to Bangladesh abruptly. The absence of targeted policies and labour market strategies to safeguard their welfare worsens their struggles.Another challenge lies in the governance of remittances and a lack of confidence in the formal banking system. These drive migrant workers to insecure and expensive informal channels, reflecting a broader crisis of trust, as evidenced by the recorded slow growth in remittances since 2023.Labour Reform CommissionThe country's ongoing reforms, notably the Labour Reform Commission, offer a unique opportunity to implement pragmatic reforms in the governance of labour migration and re-integration in several ways. Accountability mechanisms must be established to eliminate visa trading and monopolistic practices that raise the cost of migration. Transparent recruitment processes must be enforced, and private sector actors must play a more decisive role under strict government monitoring.Labour migration governance could be strengthened by tapping digital solutions to create integrated labour registries and ensure data-driven decision-making. Connecting BMET cards with immigration databases is a vital first step toward accountability and transparency.The Government could also focus on skills and productivity by aligning technical training with global labour market demands. Public-private partnerships can improve quality, while competency-based training concentrating on soft skills can upskill migrant workers for higher-value employment opportunities. Bangladesh can also draw lessons from Indonesia and the Philippines to tailor social protection schemes for migrant workers.Furthermore, institutional reforms with clear mandates for ministries and departments are essential for seamless service delivery at every stage. Likewise, the financial governance of migrant welfare funds delivered through the Wage Earners’ Welfare Board and Probashi Kalyan Bank must be transparent, with more vigorous law enforcement and anti-corruption measures.Above all, all reforms must be gender-responsive to guarantee the safety and empowerment of women migrant workers. Time-bound, targeted interventions should be implemented to increase their participation in formal and safer migration channels.The discussions reaffirmed that the challenges need a whole-of-government and a whole-of-society commitment. With over 1.3 million jobs created annually through migration, Bangladesh and its partners cannot afford to neglect the sacrifices and contributions of migrant workers. They should honour their contributions and respect their rights by implementing governance reforms in the sector to ensure they are protected and their rights as workers are upheld.We must all commit to reforms that make migration safer, fairer, and more dignified. By safeguarding workers’ rights, we can reflect their aspirations and build a stronger foundation for sustainable economic development.

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08 January 2025

Kabita's Quest To Elevate Her Village

In the village of Hariharpur in Khulna, Kabita Banerjee and her family struggled with frequent floods and soil erosion, relying on crabbing for their income. Despite their efforts, they could barely meet family expenses or provide education for their children. As climate calamities worsened, many families migrated away from Hariharpur.Through the Kapotaksha Women Development Team, Kabita learned climate-adaptive skills and sustainable income sources. Though her first crab-fattening attempt was destroyed by floods, she applied her new knowledge and began earning profits, with the added benefit of digital cash transfers. Kabita also learned how to use mobile wallets and transfer funds; a skill rare in her village. “Gaining this technological knowledge, finding a network of supportive people, and obtaining confidence allowed me to pursue my entrepreneurial purpose,” she shared.With her savings and crab-fattening profits, Kabita opened a grocery store, 'Orthi Telecom,' which also became a mobile cash transfer hub. This venture sparked economic momentum in her community, encouraging three other women to start their own businesses.Now, as head of the Climate and Livelihood Development Cooperative Society, Kabita supports 147 women in gaining financial and technological literacy, helping them build resilient livelihoods. Through mobile cash transfers, they save, invest, and achieve economic independence. Kabita’s story illustrates the power of financial knowledge and inclusivity, showing how she has not only created multiple income streams but also empowered other women to lead economically sustainable lives, even in the face of climate adversity.For Kabita, a 35-year-old climate-vulnerable woman, survival meant seeking refuge in emergency shelters whenever the river overflowed. Despite these harsh conditions, she held onto hope for better days. Five years ago, Kabita’s life changed when she came across the Local Government Initiative on Climate Change (LoGIC) Project, a joint initiative by the Embassy of Sweden (SIDA) and the Embassy of Denmark, with support from UNDP Bangladesh and UNCDF, implemented by Bangladesh’s Local Government Division. This project aimed to empower climate-vulnerable communities through capacity development training for Climate Adaptive Livelihood Options (CALO).

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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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