Germany has assured Bangladesh of support in implementing labour legislation and strengthening workers’ rights, following talks in Dhaka on October 27 between Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury and German development cooperation vice minister Bärbel Kofler.
The discussions covered safe and fair working conditions, labour rights, social dialogue and skills development. Bangladesh’s minister outlined steps to implement amended labour legislation and related rules.
The two sides also discussed the Employment Injury Scheme, piloted in the garment sector since June 2022 to provide support in cases of work-related death or disability. Bangladeshi officials said its scope had expanded to export processing zones and the leather and footwear sectors. Germany’s pledge concerns implementation support, not a quantified new funding agreement.
Illustrative photograph: Unsplash.