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the National Action Plan to End Child Marriage 2018–2030, developed in collaboration with
NGOs and other civil society organizations.
17.
Numerous administrative measures had been taken to protect and promote the rights
of persons with disabilities, including the introduction of an integrated education programme
for children with visual impairments. The Government had reserved a quota of 1 per cent for
persons with disabilities in its recruitment for “class I” positions and of 10 per cent for lower
job categories.
18.
Bangladesh had continued its commitment to safeguarding the rights of migrant
workers, playing a leading international role in promoting the objectives of the Global
Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. In 2019, Bangladesh had acceded to the
Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and
Children, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized
Crime.
19.
Since the previous review cycle, significant initiatives had been undertaken to reform
the labour sector, including the enactment of the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones
Labour Act (2019), the publication in 2022 of the Export Processing Zones Labour Rules and
the adoption of the National Action Plan on the Labour Sector of Bangladesh 2021–2026. In
2021, Bangladesh had submitted a road map to the International Labour Organization (ILO)
to address outstanding labour issues and, in 2022, had ratified the ILO Minimum Age
Convention, 1973 (No. 138). Notably, through a recent announcement, an increase of
56.25 per cent in the minimum wage for workers in the ready-made garment industry,
excluding overtime, had been formalized.
20.
The Government had taken measures to empower underprivileged sectors of society,
including the Bede community, hijras, Dalits, Harijans and tea-plantation workers, in order
to improve their quality of life, access to government services and integration into
mainstream society.
21.
In 2022, Bangladesh had achieved a major milestone by providing 100 per cent of its
population with electricity coverage. Ongoing efforts focused on realizing free and
compulsory education as guaranteed by the Constitution, and the adult literacy rate had
consequently reached 76.43 per cent in 2021. Stipends awarded to female primary-school
students had contributed to enrolment rates of nearly 100 per cent and to gender parity in
primary education.
22.
Despite being among the lowest emitters of carbon dioxide, Bangladesh faced
significant climate vulnerability. Climate adaptation and mitigation had therefore been
integrated into national development policies, leading to the formulation of the Bangladesh
Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan, the National Adaptation Plan of Bangladesh
(2023–2050), the Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100 and a policy on renewable energy.
B.
Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review
23.
During the interactive dialogue, 110 delegations made statements. Recommendations
made during the dialogue are to be found in section II of the present report.
24.
Romania acknowledged the progress made with regard to labour rights, gender
equality and education, and highlighted ongoing challenges to human rights implementation.
25.
The Russian Federation noted positive changes related to human rights and the efforts
by Bangladesh to bring its legislation into line with international standards.
26.
Saudi Arabia praised Bangladesh for hosting Rohingya refugees and noted the
adoption of laws and policies contributing to the promotion of human rights.
27.
Serbia applauded Bangladesh for its engagement with human rights bodies and
highlighted advancements in law, justice and poverty reduction.
28.
Sierra Leone praised Bangladesh for hosting Rohingya refugees and commended it
for having facilitated visits by special procedure mandate holders.
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GE.23-24573