(BSS) - Labour and Employment Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) Sakhawat Hossain today emphasized the critical importance of occupational safety and health in boosting industrial production.
Speaking as the chief guest at the opening session of the daylong Occupational Safety and Health Research Conference 2025, titled "Safe Work, Sustainable Future: Bridging Research and Practice," he highlighted the urgent need to establish safe and sustainable working environments throughout the country`s labour sector to strengthen economic growth.
The conference was organized by the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE) at the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health Training and Research Institute (NOSHTRI) auditorium, with support from the International Labour Organization (ILO).
This marks the first-ever OSH research conference held in Bangladesh, positioning NOSHTRI as a national leader in occupational health and safety research.
The adviser called for coordinated efforts from all stakeholders to advance the labour sector, underscoring that every worker deserves the right to a safe workplace and the ability to return home unharmed.
"We are committed to elevating the country`s labour standards to meet international benchmarks," he added.
Secretary to the Ministry of Labour and Employment AHM Shafiquzzaman and Zaheda Parveen, Secretary (Coordination and Reforms) of the Cabinet Division also addressed the conference as special guests, while DIFE Inspector General Omar Imrul Mohsin chaired the session.
Addressing the event, Secretary Shafiquzzaman praised Bangladesh`s achievement of hosting 10 of the world`s certified green factories, calling it a significant milestone.
He also outlined NOSHTRI`s role in conducting research to identify challenges and opportunities within the labour sector, which will inform policy development and strategic planning.
"The institute aims to serve not only Bangladesh but also become a regional hub for labour research and information in Asia," he stated.
Inspector General Omar Imrul Mohsin said that NOSHTRI would play a crucial role in risk reduction across both formal and informal sectors, especially in garments, tanneries, ship-breaking and construction industries.
The institute will facilitate activities including international labour standards compliance, research, training, risk assessments, higher education and worker rehabilitation.
Over 200 participants including researchers, academics, labour leaders, industrialists, government officials and development partners attended the conference.
Eleven research papers were presented, focusing on main challenges in the OSH sector and innovative solutions during detailed panel discussions.
In closing, Adviser Sakhawat Hossain distributed bank cheques totaling Taka 24.85 lakh to 50 labourers and their families on behalf of the Bangladesh Shramik Kalyan Foundation.
