The International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) have discussed issues related to the country’s ready-made garment (RMG) industry, including workplace safety, workers' rights, labour law reforms, and environmental sustainability.

ILO Country Director Tuomo Poutiainen and BGMEA Administrator Anwar Hossain held the discussion during a meeting at the BGMEA Complex in Dhaka on Sunday, read a press release.

BGMEA Support Committee member ANM Saifuddin was also present at the meeting. 

Both sides discussed the ongoing ILO-led initiatives, particularly the Better Work Bangladesh programme, which aims to improve working conditions and ensure occupational safety for RMG workers.

Poutiainen and Hossain emphasised the importance of continued efforts to create safer, fairer, and more sustainable workplaces in the RMG sector.

The discussions also focused on the potential for future collaboration between the ILO and BGMEA, particularly in the areas of capacity building in alignment with international standards, such as the European Union’s Due Diligence Directive, which aims to hold companies accountable for human rights and environmental impacts throughout their supply chains.

BGMEA Administrator Hossain highlighted the industry’s progress made in the areas of workplace safety, workers’ rights, and environmental sustainability. He expressed the sector’s commitment to continue its efforts for further progress.

The BGMEA side called on the ILO to consider taking projects to promote social dialogue and harmonious industrial relations in the RMG sector. 

They also urged the ILO to collaborate in developing skills of the workforce in line with AI and technological advancement.