Dhaka, October 26, 2026 (V7N) – The government is working to expand employment opportunities at home and abroad, ensure workers' welfare and develop a skilled workforce in line with labour market demands, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Public Administration and BNP National Standing Committee member Md Ismail Zabihullah said Monday.
He said the government has prioritised workers' welfare, skills development and increased productivity of the working-age population in line with its electoral manifesto.
The adviser made the remarks when a three-member delegation led by International Labour Organization (ILO) Country Director Max Tunon met him at his office at the Bangladesh Secretariat. Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Environment, Forest and Climate Change Dr Md Saimum Parvez was present at the meeting, according to a handout.
Zabihullah appreciated the ILO's role in promoting labour rights, ensuring workers' welfare and improving working conditions. He said Bangladesh needs to adapt its labour market to rapid technological changes, particularly the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation in workplaces.
The adviser stressed the need for effective initiatives to create new employment opportunities and equip workers with the skills required to meet the changing demands of the labour market. In this regard, he said, the ILO could play a leading role in providing technical assistance and policy advice to Bangladesh.
The meeting also discussed employment generation at home and abroad, workers' welfare, skills development, social protection, preparations for graduation from the least developed country (LDC) status, inter-ministerial coordination and the use of AI and automation in workplaces.
Max Tunon emphasised improving the quality of employment, developing skills, creating jobs in coastal areas, expanding afforestation and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. He also stressed stronger cooperation among government ministries and relevant institutions to improve coordination and strengthen policy initiatives in these areas.
The meeting discussed enhancing coordination with the Governance Innovation Unit (GIU) under the Prime Minister's Office to advance these initiatives. Tunon expressed hope that the ILO would continue its cooperation with Bangladesh in the relevant areas.
Director General of the Governance Innovation Unit Dr Delwar Hossain and senior officials of the ILO Country Office in Bangladesh were also present at the meeting.
The discussions are expected to inform future policy measures on skills development and social protection as Bangladesh prepares for LDC graduation, with further collaboration between the government and the ILO anticipated.
