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Bangladesh marked a significant milestone in its journey toward ensuring occupational health and safety (OSH) as the country hosted its first-ever OSH Research Conference on Thursday.
The event took place at the National Occupational Safety and Health Training and Research Institute (NOSTRI), located in Rajshahi.
Organised by the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE), with technical and financial assistance from the International Labour Organization (ILO), the conference was held under the theme: “Safe Work, Sustainable Future: Bridging Research & Practice.”
The event is being hailed as a landmark step towards promoting a safer and more sustainable working environment across all sectors in Bangladesh.
Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. M Sakhawat Hossain, Adviser to the Ministry of Labour and Employment, attended the event as the chief guest.
In his address, he said, “We must work collectively with all stakeholders to advance the labour sector. Every worker has the right to decent working conditions and to return home safely at the end of the day. The government is committed to aligning with international standards and to formulating evidence-based policies that protect workers’ well-being.”
Speaking as a special guest, Labour and Employment Secretary A.H.M. Shafiquzzaman noted, “Eight of the world’s top ten green factories are located in Bangladesh — a testament to our achievements. NOSTRI will play a vital role in exploring the challenges and opportunities within the labour sector through research. This institute will not only contribute to national development but will also emerge as a regional hub for labour-related data and research in Asia.”
The conference was chaired by Omar Md. Imrul Mohsin, Inspector General of DIFE (Additional Secretary), who remarked, “We are at a point where research must guide effective policy and implementation. Scientific research and targeted training by NOSTRI will support risk reduction in all formal and informal sectors, including garments, tanneries, shipbreaking, and construction.”
ILO’s Technical Specialist on Labour Inspection and OSH, Mr. Ron Johnson, stated, “Given the rapid growth of Bangladesh’s industrial sector, strengthening OSH systems is essential. ILO is committed to supporting Bangladesh in developing a preventive safety culture that ensures both worker protection and sustainable development.”
The conference brought together over 200 participants, including researchers, academics, labour leaders, factory owners, government officials, and development partners.
A total of 11 peer-reviewed research papers were presented, followed by panel discussions that addressed key OSH challenges and explored innovative solutions.
Notable attendees included Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmmed, Chair of the Labour Law Reform Commission; Zaheda Parveen, Secretary of the Coordination and Reform Division; and Lt. Col. (Retd.) Professor Dr. Rehana Khanam, along with other key stakeholders from the labour sector.