Bangladesh Becomes Member of ILO Governing Body Unopposed

Bangladesh has been elected as a full member of the Governing Body of the International Labour Organization (ILO) for the 2024-27 term.

The election took place at the 112th International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, on Friday, January 7. Bangladesh secured its membership unopposed.

The ILO's Governing Body, which serves as its executive and policy-making forum, includes 28 government seats, of which 10 are reserved for highly industrialized nations. The remaining 18 government seats are contested by 177 member countries of the ILO.

Given that only one seat is allocated for the seven countries in South-Central Asia, the election for this seat typically involves intense competition. However, this year, through diplomatic efforts and negotiations with other potential candidates, Bangladesh managed to present itself as the sole candidate from the South-Central Asia region.

A total of four countries from the Asia-Pacific region were elected as members. Bangladesh had previously served on the Governing Body during the 1996-99 and 2008-11 terms.

This membership will enable Bangladesh to contribute effectively to the ILO's policy-making and governance and strengthen relationships with the organization's tripartite partners.

State Minister for Labour and Employment, Freedom Fighter Md. Mujibul Haque Chunnu, attended the conference in Geneva, observed the voting process, and expressed gratitude to the Bangladesh Permanent Mission in Geneva, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Labour for their efforts in achieving this diplomatic success.