Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1995, published 83rd ILC session (1996)

Minimum Age (Industry) Convention (Revised), 1937 (No. 59) - Bangladesh (Ratification: 1972)

The Committee notes that a Memorandum of Understanding was signed on 4 July 1995, between the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), UNICEF and the ILO Office in Dhaka. It notes that the purpose of this MOU is the removal of underaged children from BGMEA factories, including subcontracting factories, and placing them in appropriate education programmes. It also notes that it is provided that no new child workers, who have not attained 14 years of age, will be hired by BGMEA member factories.

Noting that the MOU, setting the target date of 31 October 1995, includes a proviso that the employment of children will not be terminated until such programmes are ready to absorb them, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to implement the above MOU, as well as a general account of the application of the Convention in practice in the garment manufacturing and other sectors covered by the Convention, including, for instance, extracts from inspection reports, and information on contraventions reported.