The Economic Relations Division (ERD), on Tuesday, signed a grant agreement worth US $24.70 million with the International Labour Organization (ILO) to advance decent work in Bangladesh.
The agreement titled ‘Advancing Decent Work in Bangladesh’ will contribute to implement the three-year project of the Ministry of Labour and Employment. The European Union, Denmark, Netherlands and Sweden are the resource partners of the project, said an ERD press release.
The project interventions will help to fulfil the goals and targets of the country's Five-Year Plan and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in those labour issues.
Md Shahriar Kader Siddiky, secretary of the ERD, and Toumo Poutiainen, country director, ILO signed the agreement. Representatives from EU, concerned embassies, officials of UN wing of ERD and concerned government agencies were present on the occasion.
Since the establishment of the ILO, it has been providing financial and technical assistance to implement various development plans, including creating a working environment based on the consensus of all, bringing the government, owners and labour parties under the same platform. Bangladesh accepted the active membership of the ILO in 1972.
ILO supports the government of Bangladesh’s Five-Year Plans and contributes towards the achievement of the SDGs, notably Goal 8 to promote sustained, and inclusive economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.