US Delegation Urges Labour Reforms In Bangladesh For Economic Growth
A high-level US delegation, led by State Department Special Representative Kelly M. Fay Rodriguez and Deputy Undersecretary of the Department of Labor Thea Lee, visited Bangladesh to emphasize the need for labour reforms that strengthen democracy and promote economic prosperity.
The delegation, which also included representatives from USAID, major US brands, and global labour organizations, reiterated the United States’ commitment to supporting worker empowerment as essential for inclusive economic growth, gender equity and democratic resilience.
The delegation expressed support for Bangladesh in advancing workers’ rights, particularly the right to form independent trade unions and engage in collective bargaining for better working conditions. The US Embassy in Dhaka highlighted that the improvement of labour rights, especially in the garment sector, and ensuring safe working conditions, is a shared responsibility among governments, employers and global buyers.
Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor, Muhammad Yunus, assured the delegation that labour reforms are a top priority for the interim government to attract more foreign buyers. He committed to aligning the country’s labour laws with global standards, stating, “We want to make our labour laws at par with global standards. It is my commitment.”
Yunus further mentioned that the interim government had appointed a special envoy to reform the country’s labour laws and address concerns raised by local and international labour rights groups, International Labour Organization, and western nations.
