Bangladesh Permanent Mission, Geneva

10/06/2026

Bangladesh Labour Minister Chairs ILO Asia-Pacific Group Ministerial 2026 Organized by Bangladesh Permanent Mission in Geneva

The Permanent Mission of Bangladesh in Geneva organized the Ministerial Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Group (ASPAG) in the ILO, representing 47 member States from the Arab, Asia, and Pacific regions. The Ministerial was held on 9 June 2026 on the margins of the 114th International Labour Conference (ILC) at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.

Hon’ble Minister for Labour and Employment of Bangladesh, Mr. Ariful Haque Choudhury chaired the Ministerial. The session was moderated by Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh in Geneva, Ms. Nahida Sobhan, in her capacity as ASPAG Coordinator. Labour Secretary Mr. Md. Abdur Rahman Tarafder delivered the vote of thanks. The meeting brought together 15 Ministers alongside more than 100 delegates from across the Arab, Asia, and Pacific regions. The Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Regional Directors (Assistant Directors-General) for the Arab States and Asia-Pacific regions addressed the Ministerial.

In his remarks, the Labour Minister expressed appreciation to ASPAG members for their support and cooperation during Bangladesh’s coordination period. He emphasized that ASPAG is one of the most diverse groupings within the ILO, bringing together countries with different levels of development, economic structures, cultures, and labour market realities. Despite this diversity, he noted, ASPAG remains united by a shared commitment to promoting decent work, social justice, and inclusive development. Reaffirming Bangladesh’s longstanding support for multilateralism, he called for collective efforts to strengthen and democratize global labour governance.

Ambassador Nahida Sobhan highlighted ASPAG’s unique position within the ILO and noted the Group’s diversity, rooted in both ancient civilizations and contemporary development experiences. She mentioned that this diversity provides valuable perspectives on labour, development, and the future of work. She also underscored that ASPAG’s diversity is one of its greatest strengths and called upon members to work together under the theme: “Connecting Diversity, Advancing Unity.”

Labour Secretary Mr. Md. Abdur Rahman Tarafder thanked ASPAG members for their friendship, support, and cooperation throughout Bangladesh’s tenure as Coordinator. He stressed that the future of work will be shaped by the collective decisions taken today. He reaffirmed ASPAG’s role as a vital platform for cooperation and collective action in advancing social justice and decent work.

Representing nearly half of the global workforce, ASPAG remains one of the most influential regional groups within the Organization. Bangladesh has been acting as the ILO Regional Coordinator of this strategically important group for the last one year which culminated in this Ministerial. ASPAG continues to serve as an important platform for strengthening regional cooperation.

10/06/2026

Today, on the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations, we reaffirm our commitment to mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation among peoples and cultures around the world.

As a nation founded on the values of dignity, inclusivity, and respect for diversity, Bangladesh recognizes that dialogue is essential to promoting peace, strengthening social cohesion, and advancing sustainable development. Our rich cultural heritage and longstanding tradition of coexistence continue to inspire efforts to build bridges across communities, nations, and civilizations.

Dialogue is a powerful means of fostering trust, addressing shared challenges, and creating opportunities for collaboration. By embracing diversity and encouraging meaningful exchanges, we can contribute to a more peaceful, equitable, and prosperous world.

On this occasion, Bangladesh reaffirms its commitment to promoting intercultural understanding, mutual respect, and international cooperation in pursuit of our shared future.



(Photo: Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bangladesh H.E. Mr. Tarique Rahman inaugurating ceremony of the honorarium program for imams, muezzins, and priests. Source: Kalbela)

06/06/2026

Mr. Aminul Islam, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of Bangladesh and Mr. Md. Humayun Kabir, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment, joined the negotiations on decent work in the platform economy during the weekend session of ILC, Geneva.

06/06/2026

The Permanent Mission of Bangladesh in Geneva extends its heartfelt congratulations to the Bangladesh National Football Team, the Bangladesh Football Federation, and all those who contributed to the remarkable achievement of securing its first-ever victory on European soil, defeating San Marino in last evening’s (5 June 2026) FIFA international friendly match with a scoreline of 2-1. Joining millions of Bangladeshis and football enthusiasts worldwide in celebrating this historic success, the Mission commends the team’s outstanding performance and unwavering commitment.

We convey our best wishes for their continued success and look forward to seeing them bring further glory to Bangladesh in the years to come.

05/06/2026

On this World Environment Day, we join the global community in reaffirming our collective responsibility to protect and preserve the environment for present and future generations.

The challenges facing our planet from climate change and biodiversity loss to pollution and resource depletion require sustained commitment and meaningful action. Every conscious choice, every responsible practice, and every step toward sustainability contributes to building a healthier, more resilient world.

In Bangladesh, environmental protection remains a national priority, with initiatives focused on afforestation, restoration of water bodies, pollution control, sustainable resource management, and climate resilience. The nationwide target of planting 250 million trees over five years under the direct stewardship of Hon’ble Prime Minister Mr. Tarique Rahman himself, coupled with efforts to create greener urban spaces and improve environmentally responsible waste management, demonstrates a strong commitment to building a more sustainable and environmentally resilient future.

As we mark this important day, let us strengthen our resolve to promote environmental stewardship, embrace sustainable development, and foster a culture of responsibility toward the natural world.

Together, we can create a cleaner environment, a greener economy, and a more sustainable future for all.

Protecting the planet is not merely an obligation; rather, it is an investment in our shared future.

04/06/2026

Can global labour governance remain effective if it does not evolve with the world it serves?

Tomorrow, the International Labour Organization (ILO) will host a High-Level Event on Promoting the Ratification of the 1986 Instrument for the Amendment of the ILO Constitution, a landmark reform initiative aimed at making the ILO’s governance structure more representative, inclusive, and reflective of contemporary global realities.

Adopted nearly four decades ago, the 1986 Amendment seeks to modernize the composition of the ILO Governing Body and strengthen democratic representation within the Organization. Yet, despite overwhelming support from Member States, the Instrument has still not entered into force.

As one of the leading voices advocating for a more representative and democratic ILO, Bangladesh has consistently supported the entry into force of the 1986 Amendment and broader democratization efforts to ensure that the voices of countries representing the majority of the world’s workers are adequately reflected in global labour governance.

📅 Join the live discussion and be part of this important conversation on the future of global labour governance alongside:
• H.E Juan Castillo, President of the 114th International Labour Conference and Hon’ble Labor Minister of Uruguay;
• H.E. Nahida Sobhan, Vice-President of the Conference, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh;
• Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director-General, International Labour Organization (ILO).

🎥 Watch the livestream here:
https://live.ilo.org/event/high-level-event-promote-ratification-1986-instrument-amendment-ilo-constitution-2026-06-05

04/06/2026

Today, on the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression, we remember the countless children around the world whose lives have been disrupted by violence, conflict, and abuse.

Every child deserves safety, dignity, and the opportunity to grow in peace. Let us stand together in raising awareness, protecting children’s rights, and working toward a future where no child suffers the consequences of aggression.

Their voices matter. Their futures matter. Our actions matter.

02/06/2026

02/06/2026

Bangladesh’s unanimous election as Vice-President of International Labour Conference: a diplomatic milestone

Bangladesh has achieved a significant diplomatic milestone with its unanimous election as a Vice-President of the 114th International Labour Conference (ILC) 2026. International Labour Conference is the premier global forum on labour and employment issues convened by the International Labour Organization annually. Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh Nahida Sobhan assumed the role Vice-President alongside President of the Conference H.E. Juan Castillo, Minister of Labour and Social Security of Uruguay, and two other Vice Presidents, Ms. Kristen Kaufman from United States and Mr. Gerardo Martínez from Argentina.

The election was endorsed by delegates representing 187 countries, reflecting the confidence and trust of the international community in Bangladesh’s constructive leadership in global labour governance. This prestigious position underscores Bangladesh’s new Government's commitment to promoting democratization of ILO, decent work, advancing social justice and protecting labour rights. It reflects the international recognition of Bangladesh’s contribution to advancing multilateral cooperation in addressing the evolving challenges facing the global workforce.
As Vice-President of the Conference, Bangladesh will contribute to guiding the proceedings of the ILC and facilitating consensus-building among Member States and social partners on key policy issues affecting workers and workplaces worldwide.

The International Labour Conference, often referred to as the “world parliament of labour,” is the highest decision-making body of the ILO. It brings together governments, workers’ organizations, and employers’ representatives from across the world to deliberate on critical issues shaping the future of work. This year’s Conference has drawn approximately 5,000 delegates, making it the largest global gathering dedicated to labour, employment, and social justice.

30/05/2026

Migration is a powerful adaptation strategy in addressing climate-displacement, one of the key drivers of human mobility in climate-vulnerable countries. Ambassador and Permanent Representative Nahida Sobhan met with IOM Director General Amy Pope and they discussed the nexus between climate change, migration and sustainable development.

Ambassador Sobhan congratulated DG Pope on the successful completion of the International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) and the publication of the World Migration Report 2026. She expressed hope that these initiatives would help harness migration as a catalyst for sustainable development, particularly for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and climate-vulnerable nations. She also mentioned that Bangladesh stands ready to contribute to the World Migration Report.

The meeting also explored ways in which IOM can further support the well-being and resilience of the Rohingyas (Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals) and the host communities in Bangladesh.

As climate impacts intensify, strengthening international cooperation on migration, resilience, and human dignity remains more important than ever.