Max Tuñón Takes Office as New ILO Country Director in Bangladesh

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has officially appointed Max Tuñón as its new Country Director for Bangladesh, marking the beginning of a new phase in the partnership between the UN agency and the Government of Bangladesh. Tuñón presented his credentials to Md Touhid Hossain, the Foreign Affairs Adviser, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka today.

Tuñón's arrival comes at a decisive moment for Bangladesh, as the country navigates rapid economic growth alongside complex labour market challenges. With two million young people entering the workforce each year, the need for inclusive, safe, and dignified employment has never been more pressing.

"The urgency of the decent work agenda in Bangladesh is evident," Tuñón said. "With two million young men and women entering the labour market each year, we must work together to ensure that economic growth is inclusive and generates jobs with dignity."

Strengthening Labour Rights and Inclusive Growth

Under Tuñón's leadership, the ILO Office in Bangladesh will continue to support the government and its social partners—employers and workers' organizations—in reforming labour laws, enhancing compliance, and strengthening workplace safety. The organization is currently providing technical support for amendments to the Bangladesh Labour Act, ensuring that new legislation aligns with international labour standards and advances fundamental rights at work.

In addition, the ILO is working closely with national institutions to improve labour inspection systems, promote fair wages, and address gender disparities in the labour market. The focus is not only on improving compliance within export-oriented industries such as ready-made garments (RMG) but also on extending protections to informal and domestic workers, who make up a significant share of the labour force.

"Our collective efforts will not only provide more decent working conditions for a larger share of the workforce; they will also improve the country's ability to attract investment and expand international markets for exports," Tuñón added.

Promoting Skills, Entrepreneurship, and Social Protection

The ILO's work in Bangladesh also emphasizes skills development, youth employment, and entrepreneurship. The organization supports programs that enhance the employability of both men and women, helping them acquire the skills demanded by employers in a changing economy.

With Bangladesh aspiring to become an upper middle-income country by 2031, ILO initiatives are designed to help workers adapt to automation, green transitions, and digitalization. By supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and fostering an enabling environment for entrepreneurship, the ILO is helping to create resilient, self-sustaining livelihoods.

Equally crucial is the organization's push for stronger social protection systems—including unemployment benefits, maternity protection, and old-age security—to ensure that no one is left behind in the country's development journey.

A Rich Background in Labour Reform

Before taking up his post in Bangladesh, Max Tuñón led the ILO Office in Doha, where he played a key role in supporting landmark labour reforms in Qatar, including the abolition of the kafala system, introduction of a non-discriminatory minimum wage, and improvements in occupational safety and health (OSH).

He also served as a Technical Specialist in Doha, overseeing programmes on wages, labour inspection, and OSH, and previously worked in the ILO's sub-regional offices in Bangkok and New Delhi, as well as its country office in Beijing. His extensive experience across Asia positions him to guide the ILO's strategic engagement in Bangladesh's evolving labour landscape.

One of ILO's Largest Country Offices

The ILO Office in Bangladesh is among the organization's largest country operations globally, reflecting the scale of its partnership and the importance of Bangladesh in the global labour context. The office plays a central role in implementing the Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP)—a tripartite framework jointly agreed upon by the Government, employers, and workers' organizations.

The current DWCP prioritizes occupational safety and health, social dialogue, employment generation, and sustainable industrial growth, all in alignment with Bangladesh's Vision 2041 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The ILO's work also contributes to improving the country's international labour reputation, which is crucial for maintaining trade privileges such as the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) and for attracting ethical investment in export-oriented sectors.

Renewed Partnership for a Just Transition

Tuñón's appointment is expected to strengthen cooperation between the ILO and Bangladesh in navigating emerging challenges such as climate-related labour risks, automation, and global supply chain transformations. The focus will be on ensuring that Bangladesh's growth remains both inclusive and sustainable, with decent work as the foundation of social and economic progress.

"Bangladesh has demonstrated remarkable progress in recent years," Tuñón said. "But our work is not finished. Together, we must continue to ensure that growth translates into decent jobs, equal opportunities, and social justice for all."

As the ILO enters its next phase of collaboration with the Government of Bangladesh and its social partners, the new Country Director's leadership is expected to drive forward a more inclusive, fair, and rights-based labour landscape—anchored in the principles of decent work for every worker.