Ensuring a conducive work environment is crucial for enhancing workers’ skills and productivity, as well as advancing industrial production, according to experts who shared their views at a recent discussion. This discussion was jointly organized by the Ministry of Labour and Employment and the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments in Dhaka on the occasion of National Occupational Health and Safety Day 2024.
The Speaker of the Bangladesh National Parliament, Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, attended the meeting as the chief guest and emphasized the critical role of workers in the national economy and the importance of creating a favorable work environment for their welfare. She also highlighted relevant provisions under Bangladesh’s labour laws that ensure worker protection and appropriate working conditions.
State Minister Nazrul Islam Chowdhury underscored the need for building green and eco-friendly factories to tackle environmental challenges, and reiterated the government’s commitment to resolving workers’ grievances through legal means.
The Country Director of the ILO, Tuomo Poutiainen, stressed the importance of implementing the National Occupational Safety and Health Programme, particularly noting the impact of climate change on workers’ health in sectors such as construction, agriculture, and transportation.
Syed Nazrul Islam, Acting President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), reaffirmed the commitment to workplace safety and protecting workers’ health, which is essential for meeting global standards and achieving export targets.
Mansur Ahmed, Senior Vice-President of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), highlighted the role of the RMG (Ready-Made Garments) sector in reducing unemployment and empowering women, and emphasized the importance of collaborating with international organizations to ensure workplace safety.
