In an effort to help ensure sustainable reform in labour inspection system in Bangladesh, a three-day training course for newly recruited labour inspectors began in the city on Wednesday.
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the programme ‘Promotion of Social and Environmental Standards in the Industry’ (PSES), implemented by GIZ on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) joined hands to develop the capacity of the newly recruited labour inspectors of the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE).
Resource persons from the ILO and GIZ will interact with the new labour inspectors, said an ILO media release.
Issues related to the role of labour inspectors within the framework of the Bangladesh economy and legal structure, the ILO fundamental principles and rights at workplace, features of a credible and transparent labour inspection system, national labour law, and inspection techniques will be discussed in the three-day course.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Labour Secretary Mikail Shipar said the training of the newly recruited labour inspectors is a sign of the implementation of the commitments that the government and the development partners have made to ensure safety of readymade garment workers.
“It serves the purpose of enhancing the overall operational capacity of the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments and ensuring labour rights in all sectors,” he added.
“The recruitment of the 41 new labour inspectors and their ongoing training is significant milestone to reduce the risk of future tragedies in the readymade garments sector. It’s an important fulfillment of government’s commitment to improve labour standards and implement national legislation,” said Srinivas Reddy, ILO Country Director at the inauguration ceremony.
Johannes Schneider, First Secretary, Head of German Development Cooperation, said, “This initiative aims for an extensive reform, rather specifically targeted, keeping in mind Labour Ministry’s resource constraints, to areas where maximum improvement can be achieved in the overall system.”-UNB
