Prime Minister\u2019s Adviser Nazrul Islam Khan today underscored the need to strengthen Bangladesh\u2019s labour inspection system through enhanced training, logistical support and security for inspectors, saying effective enforcement of labour laws cannot be achieved without institutional capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWith only around 436 inspectors for more than 83 thousand factories and establishments, effective enforcement of labour laws requires stronger training, logistics support and security for inspectors,\u201d he said, calling for urgent institutional strengthening to protect workers\u2019 rights and ensure workplace safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He was speaking at an Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) seminar titled \u201cEnhancing Occupational Safety and Health Practices in Bangladesh\u201d, jointly organised by the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE) and the Ministry of Labour and Employment, marking the National Occupational Safety and Health Day 2026 in the capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury chaired the seminar, while PM\u2019s adviser on Education, Labour and Employment affairs Mahdi Amin attended as special guest along with senior government officials, labour leaders and industry stakeholders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Khan, also member of BNP standing committee, said, \u201cWe have laws, we have policies, and we have also ratified many ILO conventions. But the real challenge is implementation. Legal frameworks alone are not sufficient unless they are effectively enforced on the ground.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Khan said Bangladesh has inherited and adopted a significant number of international labour commitments over the years, saying this reflects the country\u2019s long-standing engagement with global labour standards across different administrations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAt different stages, BNP led previous governments have contributed to building this framework, and we have moved forward collectively in recognising workers\u2019 rights,\u201d he said, acknowledging continuity in labour policy development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Highlighting the scale of the challenge, Khan said Bangladesh has over 83,000 factories and establishments, but only around 436 inspectors are responsible for monitoring occupational safety, compliance and labour rights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis gap clearly shows why inspectors must be properly trained, adequately equipped, and ensured security so that they can perform their duties effectively,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He stressed that inspectors often lack logistical support and operational capacity, making field-level enforcement difficult. \u201cThey cannot ensure compliance by sitting at home. They must be able to go into the field safely and confidently,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Khan said, \u201cIf we want effective enforcement, we must ensure that inspectors have security, mobility, and professional respect\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He further said that strengthening labour inspection is not only about compliance but also about protecting industries and the national economy. \u201cIf workers suffer due to unsafe workplaces, it is not just a personal tragedy\u2014it affects productivity and national development,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ariful Haque Choudhury said, \u201cFactory inspectors need more training and logistical support. They also require security, as ensuring their safety while on duty is the responsibility of the government.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Inspectors must provide accurate and timely information instead of remaining inactive, he said, adding, \u201cThey cannot sit at home; they must be properly equipped and trained to perform their duties effectively.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ariful emphasised that both employers and labour leaders need greater awareness to build a worker-friendly environment in the country. \u201cIf we truly want to move the country forward and make it labour-friendly, we must ensure all necessary facilities for workers,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He underscored the importance of collective efforts involving the government, employers and workers to improve labour conditions. \u201cOrganising seminars alone is not enough. We must focus on implementing the recommendations,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The minister hoped that even partial implementation of the issues raised at the seminar could lead to significant progress. \u201cIf we can implement even 50 percent of the recommendations discussed today, we will gradually reach full implementation,\u201d he added. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Prime Minister\u2019s Adviser on Education, Expatriate Welfare, Overseas Employment, and Labour and Employment affairs Mahdi Amin reiterated the government\u2019s commitment to building a labour-friendly Bangladesh, saying that workers\u2019 safety and security remain central to national governance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHonourable Prime Minister, both in the election manifesto and throughout the electoral journey, has repeatedly emphasized how we aim to build a labour-friendly Bangladesh, where workers\u2019 protection and safety play a very important role in state governance,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Highlighting the historical role of political leadership in shaping the labour sector, he observed that the country\u2019s garment industry\u2014now a key pillar of the economy\u2014was initiated under the leadership of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHistory bears witness that during BNP-led governments, both Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and later Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia introduced labour-friendly policies that significantly contributed to the sector\u2019s development,\u201d he noted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mahdi Amin said the present government also aims to continue strengthening such policies to ensure solutions to workers\u2019 problems and improve livelihoods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe core priority of our government is job creation, skill development, and ensuring the highest possible safe and secure working environment for every citizen,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The adviser emphasized a holistic approach to labour welfare, including health support, education for workers\u2019 children, nutrition, and social protection schemes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe need a holistic approach where workers and their families can live with dignity, access healthcare, education, and nutritional support,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He added that the government is working from grassroots level through initiatives such as family cards and farmer cards, which also include labouring women and agricultural workers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mahdi Amin further said that achieving Bangladesh\u2019s development goals requires a unified effort of workers, employers, and the government.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe aim to build a holistic ecosystem where all stakeholders are part of consultation, and through collective efforts and international cooperation, we will reach our national goals,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Secretary to labour and employment Md Abdur Rahman Tarafdar and DIFE Inspector general Omar Md Imrul Mohsin also addressed, among others. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Prime Minister\u2019s Adviser Nazrul Islam Khan today underscored the need to strengthen Bangladesh\u2019s labour inspection system through enhanced training, logistical support and security for inspectors, saying effective enforcement of labour laws cannot be achieved without institutional capacity. \u201cWith only around 436 inspectors for more than 83 thousand factories and establishments, effective enforcement of labour laws […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":33846,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1,93],"tags":[54],"class_list":["post-33845","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-bangladesh","category-nationwide","tag-54"],"yoast_head":"\n