"Statement on the death in Bangladesh of Mr Shahidul Islam", 30 June 2023

The International Labour Organization (ILO) deeply mourns the untimely passing of Mr Shahidul Islam, President of the Gazipur branch of the Bangladesh Garment and Industrial Workers Federation (BGIWF), on 25 June 2023...

The ILO extends its heartfelt condolences to Mr Islam's family, friends, colleagues, and the entire BGIWF community during this difficult time. We stand in solidarity with them and share their grief and loss...

The ILO encourages the authorities to do their utmost to bring those responsible for this crime to justice, and to ensure a peaceful industrial relations environment for workers and employers to engage in joint problem solving.

The ILO recalls that freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining are fundamental to a well-functioning industrial relations system. For trade unions and workers to be able to exercise their rights at work, government and social partners need to continue to work together to ensure that an effective mechanism is in place for this to happen.

The ILO reaffirms its commitment to supporting the Bangladesh government, workers' organizations, and employers' associations in their endeavours to uphold workers' rights, improve occupational safety and health standards and foster harmonious industrial relations.