BEF signs MoU with BRAC on imparting training on HRDD, RBC in major industrial sectors

Bangladesh Employers’ Federation (BEF) and BRAC on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on imparting training on human rights due diligence (HRDD) and responsible business conduct (RBC) at the BEF Gulshan office.

Mr Farooq Ahmed, Secretary-General and CEO, BEF and Ms SK Jenefa K Jabbar, Director, Social Compliance and Safeguarding, BRAC signed the MoU on behalf of their respective organisations, says a press release.

The training programmes are specifically designed to meet the unique requirements of various industrial sectors, including but not limited to RMG and textile, leather and leather goods, footwear, other manufacturing, agro-processing, and IT and ITES.

The programmes will emphasise the adoption of international labour standards, labour laws, and environmental regulations, fostering a culture of respect, fairness, and sustainability within businesses.

Mr Ardashir Kabir, President, BEF, said that being at the threshold of LDC-graduation, Bangladesh must ensure equitable economic growth and protection of human rights. This entailed businesses and individuals to be adequately trained on HRDD and RBC. The goal of this BEF-BRAC partnership is to create comprehensive training programmes on these matters so that businesses could meet global standards and mitigate risks arising from rapid industrial growth.

Before concluding, Mr Kabir reiterated BEF’s commitment to the proliferation of best practices associated with HRDD and RBC in Bangladesh.

Mr Asif Saleh, Executive Director, BRAC, mentioned that with the ever-increasing global requirement for compliance, there was a need to set up relevant training programmes that worked with the private sector. As BRAC’s core focus centred on development, he believed this partnership to be a step towards creating a safe workplace. Mr Saleh underscored that, through inclusive growth and responsible businesses, the private sector could shape the future of Bangladesh.

Mr Kamran T Rahman, Former President, BEF and President (Elect) for the year 2024, Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dhaka, said that trainings on HRDD and RBC were much needed. He expressed his satisfaction in witnessing the partnership between BEF and BRAC and extended his best wishes. 

The event was attended by representatives of BEF, BRAC, ILO, GIZ, BGMEA, BKMEA, LFMEAB, multinational companies, media, and other stakeholders.