Ratifying key International Labour Organization conventions will strengthen Bangladesh’s position in seeking the EU’s GSP+ trade scheme and, eventually, a formal Free Trade Agreement, EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller.

Speaking at a ceremony marking Bangladesh’s ratification of ILO Conventions 155, 187, and 190, held at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, Miller said the move signals clear progress in human rights, labour standards, and governance—areas central to the EU’s trade preferences.

The event was organised by the Ministry of Labour and Employment and the ILO, and attended by advisers to the interim government, diplomats, labour leaders, and senior officials.

Convention 155 focuses on the right to refuse hazardous work; Convention 187 establishes a framework to promote workplace safety; and Convention 190 addresses violence and harassment in the world of work.

Miller said Bangladesh, as it prepares to graduate from least developed country status, stands to benefit from GSP+, which extends preferential market access in exchange for compliance with global standards on labour, environment, human rights, and governance.

“Should Bangladesh one day formally request FTA negotiations, I assure you that the highest standards in rights protection and governance will be central to any such arrangement,” he added.

The EU remains Bangladesh’s largest export market and has supported the country through the Everything But Arms scheme, technical assistance, and development programmes.

Officials at the event said recent reforms under the interim government have helped maintain stable access to the bloc’s market, but further improvements in rights and environmental protections will be necessary to qualify for GSP+ or future trade talks.