Japanese lawmakers praise Bangladesh for reforms in factory labour standards

A delegation of Japanese parliamentarians has lauded recent progress in improving labour conditions at factories in Bangladesh while stressing the importance of continuing reforms.

The team was led by Michihiro Ishibashi, Secretary General of Japan’s Constitutional Democratic Party and member of the House of Councillors, under the Japanese Parliamentarians’ League on the International Labour Organization (ILO). After visiting factories both inside and outside Export Processing Zones (EPZs), Ishibashi remarked, “We must recognize that the labour environment has improved, but there is still scope for further advancement.”

In a meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna, the delegation noted the positive atmosphere they observed in Japanese-operated enterprises in Bangladesh. Ishibashi expressed hope that Japanese companies would continue to expand investments in infrastructure and other areas to sustain growth.

Professor Yunus described Japan as a longstanding and trusted partner, highlighting the broad and multi-dimensional ties between the two nations. He reaffirmed that labour sector reform is a priority for the interim government, noting that Special Envoy Lutfey Siddiqi has been tasked with ensuring the ratification and implementation of all ILO conventions.

“We made it clear that labour issues must be acknowledged and addressed through active measures,” Yunus said.

He also sought Japanese cooperation in developing deep-sea fishing in Matarbari and proposed expanding opportunities for Bangladeshi Technical Interns and Specified Skilled Workers (SSW) in Japanese firms.

“We aim to send 100,000 young Bangladeshis to Japan for language training, skill-building, and cultural education. This is only the beginning, and many more will follow in the future. It is a great opportunity for our youth to demonstrate their creativity,” Yunus added.

The delegation included Hanako Jimi, Vice Secretary General of the Liberal Democratic Party; Ryuji Satomi and Kenta Izumi of the Constitutional Democratic Party; Makiko Dogomi, an Independent MP; Maki Ikeda and Mamoru Umetani of the Constitutional Democratic Party; and Atsushi Oshima of the Democratic Party for the People. Special Envoy Lutfey Siddiqi and Senior Secretary for SDG Affairs Lamiya Morshed were also present.