SOAS Research Online

Abstract

This thesis focuses on examination of the impact of international labour standards on freedom of association in Bangladesh. The aim is to trace the influence of the ILO Conventions on freedom of association in the development of legislation and policy on the right to freedom of association in Bangladesh and to determine the effectiveness and relevance of the ILO's effort in this context. The present study undertakes to focus and analyse the impact from three perspectives. First, by outlining the legislative development of the right to freedom of association in Bangladesh, the thesis attempts to ascertain the impact of the ILO Conventions on freedom of association on domestic legislation and policy. Secondly, an assessment is undertaken of the extent to which the Government of Bangladesh has fulfilled its international obligations under the ILO Constitution and evaluate the role of the ILO supervisory machinery in ensuring the right to freedom of association in Bangladesh. Thirdly, an investigation is carried out on the awareness, views and attitudes of the workers, union leaders and employers on the right to freedom of association through an empirical survey carried out in Bangladesh.