Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus assured that his government would implement vital labour reforms to boost foreign investment in the country’s manufacturing sector.
The remarks were made during a meeting with former British prime minister Theresa May at the COP29 global climate conference held in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Thursday (14 November).
“The labour issue is one of our top priorities. We want to resolve all labour issues,” Professor Yunus said, addressing the ongoing efforts to improve labour conditions in Bangladesh.
The conversation touched upon recent developments in the country, focusing particularly on the challenges and opportunities in the manufacturing sector.
Theresa May expressed a strong interest in supporting these reforms and also engaged in discussions surrounding human trafficking and migration. The two leaders explored ways to address the concerning issues of unsafe migration routes and the exploitation of individuals through illegal human trafficking networks.
Professor Yunus emphasised the importance of increasing legal migration from Bangladesh to Europe, arguing that it could serve as a significant deterrent against the dangers of irregular migration and human trafficking.
In a gesture of goodwill, the chief adviser presented Theresa May with a copy of "The Art of Triumph", a book showcasing graffiti and murals created by Bangladeshi youth during the July-August revolution.
The book highlights the resilience and creativity of the nation’s young people amidst political unrest.
Also present at the meeting were Lutfey Siddiqi, special envoy to the chief adviser; Lamiya Morshed, senior secretary and principal coordinator of SDG Affairs; and M Anamul Haq, Bangladesh’s ambassador to Turkey and Azerbaijan.
This high-level exchange marks a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations and addressing critical global issues such as labour rights and migration.
