DHAKA, Feb 28, 2022 (BSS) - The Cabinet today decided that none under 14 
years could be recruited to work, approving the proposal of ratifying ILO 
Convention-138 which restricted employment of any child below 15.

   The Cabinet suggested that considering the socioeconomic condition of any 
country, the age limit of work entry should be 14 years.

  The approval came at the Cabinet's regular meeting with Prime Minister 
Sheikh Hasina in the chair.

   The premier joined the meeting virtually from her official residence 
Ganabhaban, while her Cabinet colleagues were at the meeting room of the 
Cabinet Division in Bangladesh Secretariat.

   "Considering the socio-economic condition of any country, the age limit of 
recruitment to work could be reduced to 14 years, but not less than it. The 
cabinet thinks 14-year is suitable for Bangladesh," said Cabinet Secretary 
Khandker Anwarul Islam.

   He briefed the newsmen after the Cabinet meeting at Bangladesh 
Secretariat.

   The cabinet secretary said “ILO Convention-138” carries special 
significance as out of 189 countries across the world, 173 have signed it.

  He said, "The main issue is that generally 15 years is required to complete 
the basic education and that's why, no child under 15 can be employed."

   But, considering the socio-economic condition in particular, he said, "14-
year is suitable for Bangladesh."

   The cabinet secretary, however, said that these children, whether they are 
14 or 15 years old, cannot be engaged in any risky or dangerous work under 
any circumstances.

   Children cannot be involved in activities that could lead to accidents or 
deaths, he said, adding that "And even if children of this age are employed, 
they cannot be treated as adult."

   He continued that they cannot be presented as an adult in marriage or 
other cases. 

   "If anyone commits crime at this age, he or she will be considered a child 
offender," he added.

   Replying to a query that if someone employs a child under the age of 14 or 
15 years what would be the punishment, Khandker Anwarul said punishment would 
be given according to the Labour Law.

   The Cabinet also approved the draft of Export Policy 2021-2024 brought by 
the Ministry of Commerce. Normally, the government adopts an export policy 
every three years.

   The cabinet secretary said the policy has been given approval to cope with 
the upcoming challenges being emerged following the graduation of the country 
from the LDCs.

   "Product diversification and identifying priority products, expansion of 
export industry, importance of labour-based export industry, skilled 
development, making trade and investment easier and adaptation of 
comprehensive policy as well have been given special focus in the export 
policy," he said.

   He added particularly the country's graduation, 4IR, three year grace 
period in EU market after the graduation and economic diplomacy have also 
been given special importance.

   Besides, the Cabinet also in principle approved the draft of Bangabandhu 
Public University Naogaon Act, 2022 and the draft of Thakurgaon University 
Act, 2022.

  With these two new, the cabinet secretary said the number of public 
universities will reach 52. The country now has 108 private universities.

   In addition, a draft of the BIMSTEC Certificate was also approved in 
today's Cabinet meeting.

   Regarding the certificate, the cabinet secretary said it needs to be 
signed before the 5th BIMSTEC Conference scheduled to be held on March 30 in 
Sri Lanka and that is why it was placed at the Cabinet meeting.

   He said Bangladesh would provide secretarial function and BIMSTEC 
secretariat would be in Dhaka.

  Following the sign of BIMSTEC Certificate, he said, a free-trade region 
would be possible to be formed among the member countries alongside the 
development of communication for transportation of goods.

  The Cabinet also apprised of the visits of Bangladesh delegation led by 
Agriculture Minister to the Netherlands and the United Kingdom during 08-18 
November 2021, Bangladesh delegation led by Railways Minister to the United 
Kingdom, Germany, Spain and France from 22nd November to 6th December 2021, 
and Bangladesh delegation led by Railways Minister to Russia during 18-25 
December 2021.