On December 24, 2024, a delegation of 14 participants, including two women, met at the Department of Labour (DoL) office to discuss the importance of social protection and the ratification of ILO Convention 102 (C102) in Bangladesh. Organized by BSPAN and the OSHE Foundation, the meeting aimed to address existing gaps in social protection and explore actionable strategies for improvement. Presentations highlighted the current state of social protection, the relevance of C102, and the objectives of an ongoing letter campaign advocating for enhanced worker rights. Discussions underscored the importance of ratifying C102 to establish a strong legal foundation for worker security and socio-economic development. Participants emphasized the need for sustained advocacy, industry engagement, and collaborative efforts with the government to achieve these objectives. Key outcomes included recommendations for a 50-year Comprehensive Action Plan (CAP), awareness campaigns to clarify Employment Injury Schemes (EIS) and social security, and research to demonstrate the convention’s benefits. The importance of a robust legal framework, public-private partnerships, government support, and a contributory system to sustain initiatives was also highlighted. The Department of Labour acknowledged the gaps in the current system and reiterated its commitment to enhancing social protection. This meeting marked a significant step forward in advancing the ratification of ILO Convention 102 and improving protections for Bangladesh’s workforce.
