Some 50 participants representing government ministries and regulatory agencies, employers’ organisations, trade unions, brands and retailers, NGOS and development partners took part in the consultation on the draft labour inspection strategy on 29 September 2016.  The consultation was the first of a series of three that are planned.

Speaking at the event Mr Mujibul Haque Chunnu, State Minister for The Ministry of Labour and Employment said, “The Department of Inspections for Factories and Establishments has undergone considerable improvement in recent years. The development of the labour inspection strategy will help set the direction for the next five years and is another important step in our efforts to develop a credible and effective inspection system for Bangladesh.”

The primary purpose of the labour inspection strategy is to improve Bangladesh’s current inspection system and the performance of its enforcement responsibilities consistent with international labour standards and national legislation. The strategy identifies strategic priority areas and key measures to be undertaken over the next five years in these areas.

Once the strategy is adopted it will be used to direct the work of the Department of Inspections for Factories and Establishments (DIFE). In addition it will help guide employers, worker organisations, buyers and foreign investors so that they better understand the labour inspection environment. 

During the consultation, the need for the strategy to go beyond key export–oriented sectors was emphasised.Mr MikailShipar, Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment said, “While much importance has been placed on the RMG sector we must also seek to systematically widen the labour inspection process to other key industries as well as those operating in the domestic market.”

Meanwhile, Mr Gagan Rajbhandari, Deputy Director of ILO Bangladesh said, “By clearly spelling out strategic priority areas and key measures over the next five years, confidence in Bangladesh’s labour inspection system and as a sourcing destination will be enhanced.”             

Comments made at the consultation will be considered and incorporated into the draft. It is expected that the labour inspection strategy will be finalized by December 2016.

Also taking part in the event were Mr Syed Ahmed, Inspector General Department of Inspections for Factories and Establishments (DIFE) and Mr Khondaker Mostan Hossain, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment.

The consultation was held at the Hotel Purbani Dhaka organized by the Ministry of Labour and Employment with the support of ILO’s Improving Working Conditions in the RMG sector programme funded by Canada, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.