In an important step towards developing a credible and effective labour inspection system for Bangladesh, around 50 participants representing the Government ministries and regulatory agencies, employers’ organisations, trade unions, brands and retailers, NGOS and development partners recently took part in a consultation to discuss and deliberate on the draft Labour Inspection Strategy for Bangladesh – first ever in the country – which is undergoing consultation before getting the final nod. This was stated in a press communique issued by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) recently.
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“The Department of Inspections for Factories and Establishments (DIFE) has undergone considerable improvement in recent years,” said State Minister for Labour and Employment Mujibul Haque Chunnu in his address at the inaugural session on the Draft National Labour Inspection Strategy, adding that the labour inspection strategy will help set the direction for the next five years.
Also present at the event, Secretary to the Ministry of Labour and Employment Mikail Shipar 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.”
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The primary purpose of the labour inspection is said to be to improve Bangladesh’s current inspection system and the performance of its enforcement responsibilities consistent with international labour standards and national legislation, which will also focus on strategic priority areas and key measures to be undertaken over the next five years.
In addition, it will also help guide employers, worker organisations, buyers and foreign investors to better understand the labour inspection environment. During the consultation the need for the strategy to go beyond key export-oriented sectors was also emphasised.
