A number of 315 inspectors, mostly from fire service department, garment sector, trade bodies and the government’s labour inspectorate, are participating in the programme.
They will receive training on electrical safety to enhance safety inspection capacity in the sector. The programme will continue until the end of October.
Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence Department (BFSCD), with support from the International Labour Organization’s Fire and General Building Safety Project, has organised the course. The US Department of Labor funded the initiative.
According to the BFSCD figures, approximately 75% of fires in RMG factories are electrical in nature.
Taking place in nine batches until the end of October, each three-day training session will comprise classroom work complemented by field visits allowing the trainees to put new skills into practice in a factory environment.
As part of the programme a core group of inspectors will also be trained as trainers in electrical safety.
Brig Gen Ali Ahmed Khan, director general of the BFSCD, said: “Electrical short circuits are the main cause of fires in the RMG sector. This training will better equip the fire service to reduce this risk and ensure compliance with national codes and standards on building and workers’ safety, not only in the RMG sector but across all industries.”
Srinivas Reddy, ILO country director, said: “This training is an important element of strengthening the regulators capacity to enforce laws and rules governing workplace safety.”
“It will also reinforce collaboration between the fire service, Department of Inspections for Factories and Establishments and industry organisations to ensure harmonization and a co-operative approach towards government inspection regimes.”
He said: “This additional capacity and collaboration should lead to safer work places and promote a culture of safety first.”
The initiative will see 315 inspectors from the BFSCD, Department of Inspections for Factories and Establishments (DIFE), Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) gain in-depth knowledge of electrical engineering considerations as they apply to fire safety.
According to a ILO statement, experts from Bureau Veritas will deliver the sessions to help raise awareness of potential electrical safety hazards, build understanding on the design of fire detection and alarm systems as well as provide a basic understanding of schematics.
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
