The existing labour laws are being amended to ensure a safe and conducive working environment in the industry sector, said Labour Secretary Md Ehsan-E-Elahi.
“The proposed labour law has provisions to ensure the safety of workers in all industries, both organisational and non-organisational. Two committees have been formed for this and they have already started working. Once the law comes into force, the interests of all, including workers and employers, will be protected,” he said.
He made the remarks while inaugurating a day-long workshop on ‘Security in Bangladesh’s Industrial Sector’ at a hotel in the capital on Thursday afternoon.
The workshop was jointly organised by the Center for Policy Dialogue (CPD) and the International Labour Organization (ILO).
Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun was present at the programme as the chief guest.
Speaking at the inaugural function, the Labour Secretary mentioned that a national working plan is being formulated to ensure a positive working environment which would ensure the health and other welfare issues of the workers.
Speaking as the chief guest, the Industries Minister said that in order to set up an industry, security must be ensured.
“Any problem can be solved if everyone including employers and employees work together. Now no new industry is given approval without a proper plan,” he added.
The event was presided over by ILO Country Director Tuomo Poutiainen.
He said that in order to ensure a conducive working environment in the industrial sector, a separate industrial safety zone must be formed in each industrial unit.
CPD research director Dr Khandaker Golam Moazzem in his welcome speech said, “Accidents in the industry are increasing alarmingly. Accidents are constantly taking place not only in the garment industry, but in all industry sectors.”
He proposed to form a safety committee in every factory to ensure safety in the industries.