Decent work environment crucial for productivity: Bangladesh experts

These insights emerged during a recent discussion commemorating the National Occupational Health and Safety Day-2024, jointly organised by the Ministry of Labour and Employment and the Directorate of Inspection of Factories and Institutions in Dhaka.

Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, Bangladesh national parliament speaker Dr. Shireen Sharmin Chowdhury underscored the pivotal role workers play in propelling the nation’s economy forward even as she stressed the imperative of fostering workplaces conducive to their well-being.

She also emphasised the crucial provisions in Bangladesh’s labour laws ensuring worker safety and a decent work environment, advocating for investments to create such environments.

State minister Nazrul Islam Chaudhury highlighted the necessity for green and eco-friendly factories to combat climatic challenges, underscoring the government’s commitment to addressing workers’ grievances through legal channels.

Meanwhile, Tuomo Poutiainen, ILO country director, stressed the importance of implementing a national action plan on occupational safety and health, emphasising climate change’s impact on workers’ well-being, particularly in sectors like construction, agriculture, and transport.

Syed Nazrul Islam, acting president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), reiterated the sector’s commitment to workplace safety and workers’ health, essential for global compliance and achieving export targets.

Mansur Ahmed, senior vice-president of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), highlighted the RMG sector’s role in unemployment reduction and women’s empowerment, emphasising collaborative efforts with international organisations for workplace safety.

Another speaker stressed the cost reduction potential through reduced workplace accidents and improved worker health, highlighting collaborative efforts between labour leaders and owners to ensure decent workplaces.

Noor e Kutub Alam Mannan, president of the Jatiya Shrameek League, emphasised the government’s role alongside owners and labour leaders in promoting occupational health and safety, underscoring its impact on productivity and investment attraction.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DR)