levels of per capita expenditure.34 The Commission has repeatedly emphasized the need to end the
endemic practice of child labour35and remains concerned that Bangladesh has not ratified the ILO
Minimum Age Convention No. 138.36 Thus, the Commission recommends that the State should ratify the
ILO Minimum Age Convention No. 138 as per the Committee’s recommendation in its previous
concluding observations. Implementation of ‘minimum age’ will be a clear threshold to eradicate child
labour in the country.
Sections 23-24 of the OEM Act 2013 deal with the establishment of the Labour Welfare Wings and
articulates the duties of this Wing. However, adequate information and details on the extent of services
provided by these labour wings, such as the list of migrant workers receiving legal assistance, counseling
and services related to visas and passports should be made available to the public. NHRCB recommends
that an annual report be prepared as mentioned in the law and be made available in the public domain
indicating details of actions and steps taken by the Bangladesh Missions/Embassies overseas.
Part VI of the Convention Issue related to Articles 64 ,67 and 68
NHRC notes that the initial report of Bangladesh carries a list of agreements, protocols, memorandums of
understanding and other bi-lateral arrangements between Bangladesh and countries of destination of
Bangladeshi migrant workers. However, more detail information should be placed in the website of the
Ministry of Expatriates’ and Oversees Employment and such information if required by any
individual/organisations should be provided. The Commission recommends that bilateral negotiations are
carried out to ensure a win-win situation with specific focus on protecting migrant workers.
In Conclusion
NHRCB would reiterate its commitment to continue advocating for the promotion and protection of
human rights of migrant workers and their families. Despite challenges the Commission will continue to
strive in creating a culture of respect in line with the spirit of the Convection on Migrant Workers in
Bangladesh and beyond.
34
Page 24 para 58: JAMAKON Report to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child: http://www.nhrc.org.bd/site/page/c2196b50-52df44ca-8922-b4d959960bcc/Study-Reports
35 Page 25 para: 62 JAMAKON Report to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child: http://www.nhrc.org.bd/site/page/c2196b50-52df44ca-8922-b4d959960bcc/Study-Reports
36 Page 25 para 63 JAMAKON Report to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child: http://www.nhrc.org.bd/site/page/c2196b50-52df-44ca8922-b4d959960bcc/Study-Reports
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