Photo : BSS

DHAKA, May 7, 2025 (BSS) - "Efforts will be made to bring labour inspection activities under an effective monitoring framework. The key services and functions of the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE) and the Department of Labour will be fully digitized, allowing real-time monitoring by the highest authorities of both DIFE and the Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoLE)," said MoLE Secretary A H M Shafiquzzaman.

He made the remarks while addressing a validation workshop on labour inspection assessment held today at a hotel in Dhaka. The workshop was jointly organized by DIFE and the International Labour Organization (ILO) to present and validate key findings and recommendations from a comprehensive assessment of the country's labour inspection system.

Highlighting the Ministry's upcoming agenda, the Secretary announced some major initiatives aimed at modernizing and enhancing the effectiveness of labour inspection mechanisms in Bangladesh. "We plan to amend the Bangladesh Labour Act by July. In doing so, we will aim to incorporate the recommendations proposed by the Labour Reform Commission," he stated, underscoring the government's commitment to aligning national labour laws with international standards.

Emphasizing the potential of data and technology in labour governance, Shafiquzzaman noted, "Digital system in labour inspection will also facilitate timely and need-based interventions through enhanced research and data analysis on the workplace." He further stressed the importance of institutional capacity-building, stating, "To ensure more effective labour inspections, it is important to expand the organogram to allow for new inspector recruitment as well as increased promotion opportunities for existing officials."

Inspector General of DIFE, Omar Md. Imrul Mohsin, reiterated the department's commitment to modernization, saying, "The collaborative efforts of MOLE, DIFE, and ILO are crucial for sustained and effective labour inspection and capacity building to achieve a safer and more equitable working environment in Bangladesh."

Tuomo Poutiainen, ILO Country Director for Bangladesh, emphasized the importance of continuous evaluation and evidence-based approaches to labour inspection. "To ensure effective labour inspection, it is vital to continuously evaluate where we stand and identify the key challenges facing the labour inspectorate," he said. He stressed the need for strategic planning through data, noting, "In a context of limited resources, utilizing accurate inspection data to prioritize actions is crucial."

Earlier in the event, Md Matiur Rahaman, Joint Inspector General of DIFE and Coordinator of the ILO's 'Advancing Decent Work Project,' welcomed participants. He emphasised the importance of identifying existing gaps in the current labour inspection system and addressing them with effective solutions to restructure the inspection mechanism in a way that truly serves the welfare of working people.

The event brought together senior officials of MoLE and DIFE, representatives from workers' and employers' organizations, development partners, and relevant stakeholders to discuss the current state of labour inspection and chart a way forward aligned with international labour standards.