Govt forms tripartite committee to address industrial sector issues

The government, industry owners, and union leaders have formed a Tripartite Consultative Committee (TCC) to discuss and recommend solutions for challenges in the industrial sector.

The 60-member committee — comprising 20 representatives each from the government, industry owners, and union leaders — will convene biannually, said a circular issued by the Ministry of Labour and Employment on 12 January. 

According to the circular, the committee will consult with relevant stakeholders to resolve industrial sector problems. The committee president may convene additional meetings if necessary.

"In line with ILO Convention 144, the government has established this tripartite consultative committee," said Fazlee Shamim Ehsan, a member of the committee representing the employers' federation.

The committee has already held an initial meeting, with the next session scheduled for 16 January.

According to the committee sources, the upcoming meeting will address over 20 issues raised by the Labour Law Amendment Tripartite Committee. 

Previously, the Labour Law Amendment Tripartite Committee discussed over 200 issues, reaching consensus on some while disagreements persisted on others. These unresolved matters will also be addressed in the upcoming meeting.

The TCC is actively working to amend labour laws as part of the government's commitment to complete revisions by March.

Additionally, the TCC will periodically update the government on labour conditions and address child labour issues, providing necessary consultations.

The adviser to the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan, has been appointed as the committee president, while an additional secretary from the same ministry will serve as the member secretary, according to the circular.