Though increasing, the number of labour inspectors in Bangladesh is not enough, and the government should provide modern infrastructures and tools for better inspection, said Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Janet Durno yesterday.
Addressing a certificate awarding ceremony, she said: “Much more things have yet to be done.” The ceremony at Ruposhi Bangla Hotel in the capital was jointly organised by the Law Ministry and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to award certificates to around 39 labour inspectors.
Janet said: “Rana Plaza was a great tragedy. After the incident, we were committed to reform the sector. Around 65 new inspectors have joined so far. Important amendment has been made in the Labour Act. Together, we can transform the ready-made garment sector of Bangladesh.
“The UK, together with Canada and the Netherlands, is supporting the development of an efficient, credible and transparent cadre of labour inspectors. Progress has been made in addressing many challenges facing the garment industry through concrete commitments by manufacturers, brands, development partners and the government.”
Tuomo Poutiainen, programme manager of ILO’s RMG Programme, said: “Training of the labour inspectors is instrumental in ensuring safety and rights of the workers. Legislative and policy changes should be made for further progress. ILO is committed to assist the government of Bangladesh.
“The government of Bangladesh and the ILO are implementing a three-and-a-half-year long initiative aimed at improving working conditions in the RMG industry in Bangladesh. The programme is funded by Canada, Kingdom of the Netherlands and the UK.”
The inspectors were trained by the ILO trainers from June 22 to 25. Around 125 labour inspectors, including 11 female inspectors, of the ministry were trained by the ILO from June 8 to 25.
“The priority is now to maintain the momentum and to push for further progress,” said Paul Whittingham, deputy country representative of UKAID.
Bente Sorensen, manager of ILO’s International Training Centre, said: “We taught the inspectors about the status of the labour inspectors, and how to improve the inspection visit.”
Syed Ahmed, inspector general of the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments, said: “So far, 1,590 factories have been inspected by Buet engineers, Accord and Alliance.”
