Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury on Saturday called for greater professionalism, impartiality, transparency and accountability among labour inspectors to ensure workers’ safety and rights.
He made the remarks while speaking at a training program on preventing gender-based violence and improving structural, electrical, and fire safety at Rose View Hotel in Sylhet.
The minister said many factories lacked adequate emergency exits, had electrical faults and lacked proper training in firefighting. He also stressed regular worker training and strict enforcement of safety measures to prevent accidents.
He instructed inspectors to document licensing deficiencies and safety violations and report them to the relevant authorities for legal action. He also warned against interference in inspections, urging officials to report any obstruction to the ministry.
Ensuring safe workplaces, protecting workers’ dignity and enforcing labour laws were government commitments, he said, calling for stronger efforts to implement International Labour Organization conventions 155, 187 and 190 and introduce an updated labour inspection policy.
Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments Inspector General Md Farhad Siddiqui presided over the program. ILO representatives and officials from government and other organisations were also present.
