Labour and Employment Adviser Brig Gen (Retd) M Sakhawat Hossain today emphasised the critical importance of occupational safety and health in boosting industrial production while inaugurating the Occupational Safety and Health Research Conference 2025, titled "Safe Work, Sustainable Future: Bridging Research and Practice."
Speaking as the chief guest at the opening session of the daylong event, 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 organised by the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE) at the National Occupational Safety and Health Training and Research Institute (NOSHTRI) auditorium, with support from the International Labour Organisation (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, A H M Shafiquzzaman and Secretary (Coordination and Reforms) of the Cabinet Division, Zaheda Parveen, 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 the main challenges in the OSH sector and innovative solutions during detailed panel discussions.
In closing, Adviser Sakhawat Hossain distributed bank cheques totalling Taka 24.85 lakh to 50 labourers and their families on behalf of the Bangladesh Sramik Kalyan Federation.
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