The Bangladesh mission in Geneva announced on Monday that Bangladesh has been chosen as a titular member of the governing body of the International Labour Organisation for the 2008-11 term. Bangladesh will represent the Asia Pacific Group of countries in the ILO. The elections for 18 new titular members took place on Monday at the international labour conference in Geneva. The ILO governing body consists of 56 regular members and includes representatives from governments, employers, and workers to reflect the unique tripartite structure of the organization. Acting labour and employment secretary Mahfuzul Haque, who is currently in Geneva, stated to bdnews24.com that the election demonstrates the international community's backing of the country's commitment to various ILO agreements. Haque emphasized that as a member of ILO GB, Bangladesh will have a significant role in safeguarding the rights of workers both domestically and internationally. He further explained that Bangladesh is currently involved in several initiatives with ILO, such as addressing child labor, improving working conditions in the ship-breaking industry, and protecting workers from climate change impacts. Haque believes that following the elections, Bangladesh will be able to undertake more projects in collaboration with ILO to further support the labor community's causes.