Only 15% of Bangladesh’s 75m workers in formal sectors
Bangladesh has a workforce of 75 million, with only 15 per cent employed in the formal sector, while the remaining are in the informal sector.
This was highlighted by Labour and Employment Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hossain during a bilateral meeting with US Department of Labour Deputy Secretary Keith E Sonderling in Geneva, Switzerland, on June 11, according to the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
During the meeting, the Labour Adviser emphasised that the interim government is committed to ensuring fair wages, decent working conditions, workplace compensation, and maternity leave for workers across all sectors.
Discussions focused on strengthening labour sector cooperation between Bangladesh and the US, protecting workers' rights, ensuring safe workplaces, and enhancing skills development. Special emphasis was placed on improving conditions and wages in Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) sector through joint initiatives.
The Labour Adviser outlined Bangladesh’s labour reform programme, which includes amending labour laws, simplifying trade union registration, and strengthening the labour inspection system.
He noted that the government is prioritising workers’ welfare, stating that large construction companies failing to deposit dividends to the central fund as per regulations will be barred from government procurement.
The government is also promoting safe, sustainable, and fair working conditions across industries, including RMG, shipbreaking, and construction.
The Adviser highlighted that 60% of Bangladesh’s population is young, with the ICT sector creating significant employment opportunities. Bangladesh ranks second globally, after India, in online jobs and freelancing.
Both government and private sectors are actively working to skill up youth and boost employment.
Deputy Secretary Sonderling commended Bangladesh’s progress in the labour sector and expressed the US’s willingness to provide technical assistance. Following the meeting, the Adviser staid that deepened labour cooperation with the US would drive positive changes for Bangladeshi workers.
